Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of several neurodevelopmental conditions. It describes the range of effects that can occur when a child is exposed to alcohol before birth.
The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure are highly variable and often unpredictable. They can range from subtle differences to more significant challenges that affect a young person’s learning, development, and daily life. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a lifelong condition, but the way it presents can change as a child grows and develops.
Children and young people who fit an FASD profile may experience:
- Delays in key areas of development, such as speech, language, or movement skills
- Difficulty learning and applying thinking skills
- Trouble concentrating or maintaining attention
- Challenges with emotional regulation and behaviour, especially when feeling overwhelmed
- Impulse control difficulties
- Problems with executive functioning – the skills needed for planning, organising, and managing tasks
- Difficulty understanding consequences or picking up on social cues
- Physical differences, including facial features, although not everyone with FASD has these
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions
FASD is a distinct neurodevelopmental condition with a known cause: alcohol exposure during pregnancy. However, it can present similarly to other conditions, such as:
- Attention Deficit or Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Autism
Because of this overlap, it can sometimes be difficult to identify FASD without a thorough developmental assessment.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder services in Somerset
Currently, there is no commissioned service in Somerset for formally assessing or diagnosing FASD . Unfortunately, there are also no national referral pathways for assessment outside the county at this time.
However, local services may still explore the possibility of prenatal alcohol exposure as part of their assessments. These services include:
- Child Community Health (CCH)
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS)
- The Children and Young People’s Neurodevelopmental Partnership (CYPNP)
While these services may consider alcohol exposure as a contributing factor or part of a young person’s overall neurodevelopmental profile, they are not able to provide a formal diagnosis.
Further information and support
Further information and how to support children and young people with FASD both at home and at school can be found on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder support page.