Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term for a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by exposure to alcohol before birth. The main effects from this exposure are to the brain but alcohol can also affect other parts of the body.
A diagnosis of FASD requires evidence of alcohol exposure before birth and severe impairment in at least three of ten specified domains of central nervous system structure or function. Not everyone who is exposed to alcohol before birth is able to be diagnosed with FASD, but they may still have impairments caused by alcohol.
People who have FASD, or potential FASD, can experience complex physical, behavioural, learning and intellectual problems that persist throughout their lives. Impairment also varies between people depending on when and how much alcohol was consumed during the development of their brain and other parts of their bodies before they were born.
Although FASD is preventable, many pregnancies are unplanned and damage from alcohol exposure may happen before a woman knows she is pregnant and stops drinking alcohol.
Health NZ and the Ministry of Health advises to stop drinking alcohol if you could be pregnant, are pregnant or are trying to get pregnant. There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
There is no data on the prevalence of FASD in New Zealand, but international studies and expert opinion suggest that around 3 to 5 percent of people may be affected by the effects of alcohol exposure before birth. This implies that around 1800-3000 babies may be born with FASD each year in New Zealand.
At Health NZ | Te Whatu Ora, we are dedicated to addressing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) as part of a broader commitment to reducing alcohol-related harm. Working alongside the Public Health Agency within the Ministry of Health—the Government’s lead advisor on alcohol harm reduction—we collaborate with key partners across the health and disability sectors, including Whaikaha – Ministry of Disabled People, Disability Support Services, and communities impacted by FASD.
We want a New Zealand where people are supported to have alcohol-free pregnancies, where the prevalence of FASD is well understood, where health and disability services have the training, they need to diagnose FASD, and people living with FASD, and their families are well supported.
| Initiatives | Actions | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
|
FASD awareness and capability building training. |
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Growing FASD awareness and capability (including diagnosis) across a range of health and social service professionals and within communities |
| Community-led FASD Pilot Programme |
|
Reducing isolation, addressing respite care challenges, and improving FASD support within Māori and high-needs communities, drawing on the expertise of hauora Māori and community practitioners, and whānau living with FASD |
| Nationwide FASD prevention campaign and activities |
|
Promoting prevention of FASD by supporting people to have alcohol-free pregnancies and reducing stigma around FASD. |
| FASD prevalence study |
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Understanding the extent and impact of FASD in New Zealand, and how demographic, socioeconomic, and maternal factors influence occurrence and diagnosis. |
| Revitalising the FASD Strategic Action Plan |
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Ensuring a coordinated, system-wide response and priorities to support people with FASD, that draws on the lived experience of the FASD community |
If you know of something that should be included on this list, send it to Rebecca.Ruwhiu-Collins@teakawhaiora.nz