FASD
What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a range of conditions which are caused by exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. Not all cases of alcohol-exposed pregnancy result in FASD but as alcohol is a toxin, and crosses from mother to baby during pregnancy, drinking alcohol at any stage in pregnancy is always a risk.
FASD affects people their whole lives, in different ways. Difficulties with behaviour and learning, as well as physical symptoms including organ damage and poor growth, are some of the ways people with FASD can be affected.
It’s estimated that 3-5% of people in Scotland could be living with FASD, a lifelong but preventable condition. This is higher than the prevalence of Autism in Scotland at 1%. A study by the University of Glasgow, however, suggests that prevalence could be higher than previously thought with 42% of babies having been exposed to alcohol in pregnancy and 15% having shown signs of exposure to high, frequent consumption.
FASD affects people throughout their lives and can significantly impact on ability to engage in daily life and to develop into independent adults when early supports are not put in place. Common challenges for those with pre-natal alcohol exposure include difficulties with executive functioning, understanding social cues, boundaries and how to keep safe, dysmaturity, attention and memory challenges, as well as motor and physical challenges. FASD causes physical impairments to the body and organs leading to conditions of the eye, ears, heart, skin, kidney and digestive system, as well as asthma and auto-immune conditions, with individuals often requiring specialist support from health, education and social services over the lifespan. Children within the care system are disproportionately affected by FASD and pre-natal alcohol exposure, with 1 in 3 care-experienced young people having been exposed.
Alcohol and pregnancy
FASD is preventable. As the UK Chief Medical Officers make clear, alcohol and pregnancy do not mix. They recommend that the safest approach for people who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, is to not drink alcohol at all, to keep risks to the baby to a minimum. Alcohol at any stage of pregnancy risks the child developing a neurodevelopmental disorder. However, over a quarter (28%) of women in the UK are unaware of this advice.
We also know that binge drinking – consuming lots of alcohol in a short period – is a particular risk for FASD. In Scotland binge drinking is still fairly common, and around 45% of pregnancies in the UK are unplanned, so there are two pieces of advice which can help women avoid alcohol-exposed pregnancy.
Firstly, it is essential that those of childbearing age receive the message that, if they are drinking alcohol, contraception should be explored to avoid an alcohol-exposed pregnancy. Awareness of the dangers of alcohol should be promoted prior to pregnancy to allow individuals to make informed decisions for their health. Knowledge of why alcohol should be avoided during pregnancy still appears to be limited in the UK and this likely adds to the stigma and fear of judgment experienced by women when asked about their alcohol consumption.
Second is avoiding alcohol if you are, or might be, pregnant. There is no end to the benefits of supporting babies to grow in pregnancy without exposure to alcohol. A prevented case means a child is born with the ability to reach their potential and saves an estimated £1.5 million (calculated in 2007) across the lifespan. Sometimes that can be difficult – there can be pressure on people to drink socially, and dependency doesn’t stop with pregnancy. Talking to your midwife or GP if you are concerned about your drinking is the best advice, so you can get support to help stop drinking and avoid worrying. Whether you have nothing to worry about or need some support, it’s best to ask early.
Support for people with FASD and their families
People with FASD may need support their whole lives, in different ways at different times. The same is true of their families, and support is available. Early identification and support is crucial to help people make the most of educational and social opportunities.
The FASD Hub Scotland funded by the Scottish Government, has an active community of over 500 parents/carers and offers a range of services including an Adviceline, peer support, training and a 1:1 family support service. It provides help to families living with FASD through its email service and Adviceline (0300 666 0006 (option 2), Tues-Thurs 10am-2pm and Fri 10am-1pm). They can guide you through the process of getting a diagnosis, accessing benefits and funding and getting additional support. Their Peer Support Group provides a safe space for parents and carers to share their journey and experiences, receiving peer support from each other and interacting with the Hub team.
This is open to all parents and carers across the UK and you can join by completing the free membership form.
For professionals
The Fetal Alcohol Advisory Support & Training Team (FAASTT) is funded by Scottish Government with a national remit to provide and facilitate training, consultation and research in order to enhance the capacity, knowledge and confidence of Scotland’s health and social care workforce in their work with those affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
They support health and social care professionals in their work with children and adults affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Scotland.
