Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by exposure to alcohol before birth.

This leads to permanent damage to a child’s brain and can affect their ability to learn, regulate behaviour and understand consequences.

In Aotearoa, it’s estimated between 1800 and 3000 children are born with FASD every year.

Yet unfortunately, many people don’t know about FASD. New Zealand doesn’t have a centralised health strategy for it, there is no active monitoring of FASD births and no access to disability support services for people with FASD (unless you also have an intellectual disability).

In 2020/21, around one in every five New Zealanders had a hazardous drinking pattern. Furthermore, reactions to exposure to alcohol in the womb vary enormously and no one can predict a safe level of alcohol for developing fetuses.‍

Many parents of children with FASD feel stigma, but the problem of alcohol abuse is a societal one, and we should not stigmatise birth mothers of children with FASD.

What are the signs of FASD?

While some children with FASD may show behavioural problems at pre-school and early primary school years, other children may not show behavioural and cognitive problems until they are aged eight or nine.

Click here to read our article about spotting the signs of FASD.

Many children with FASD bear no outward markers of the disorder, which means people can misinterpret their behaviour and development. For example, some children with FASD cannot grasp consequences – this is because of their brain development, not because they are innately naughty. Yet they can be frequently told off and punished for behaviour over which they have no control.

How can I support a child with FASD?

Children with FASD thrive when treated with understanding and empathy.

If a child with FASD gets a diagnosis before the age of six they have much improved outcomes in later life. 

Click here to read our articles about getting a FASD diagnosis and how to support your child with FASD at school.

For more on FASD check out the resources from the IHC Library below - many of these can be read online.

You can also contact the IHC library directly to have a chat about what you need on 0800 442 442 or email librarian@ihc.org.nz