What is FASD?
FASD stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It is a lifelong, neurodevelopmental condition that is often invisible. FASD can occur if a baby is exposed to alcohol before they are born as this can affect the way their brain and body develop.
Every person with FASD is affected differently and has their own strengths and challenges. Individuals with FASD and their families may require additional support at home, school and work to help them prosper. Early diagnosis can help ensure individuals get timely access to the right supports, making them more likely to reach their full potential.
FASD is Scotland’s most common, but often invisible, neurodevelopmental condition. Approximately 3-5% of the population are estimated to have FASD. With around 1800 live births annually in the Highlands, it is estimated that there are at least 54-90 infants born each year and 918 people under the age of 18 affected by FASD.
You can find out more about FASD at this learning page from the Scottish Government: This is hosted on Turas, and you will need to create an account if you don’t already have one.
Support for professionals supporting children and young people with FASD
- The Fetal Alcohol Advisory Support & Training Team (FAASTT) is funded by the Scottish Government and has a national remit to support health and social care professionals in their work with children and adults affected by FASD in Scotland. The team provides and facilitates training, consultation and research to enhance the capacity, knowledge and confidence of Scotland’s health and social care workforce in their work with those affected by FASD.
- FASD Hub Scotland provide a support service for parents/carers (adoptive and biological parents, foster carers, kinship carers and step-parents) across Scotland who live with children, young people and young adults who have a history of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), with or without an FASD diagnosis.
- FASD Scotland
- National FASD – Educators page. Students with FASD will present with a pronounced and complex set of needs that can make it difficult for teachers to know how best to support them.
- National FASD including FASD Manifesto created by people with FASD
- Me & My FASD A website for young people with FASD.