Gold Coast Health was the first Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) diagnostic clinic in Queensland. Established in 2014, the team diagnosed more people during its first year than the previous decade and is committed to providing affected families with the knowledge and support they need.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a term used for a spectrum of conditions caused by fetal alcohol exposure. Diagnosis is based on the presentation of characteristic features that are unique to the individual and may be physical, developmental and/or neurobehavioural. This may include developmental delay and social, behavioural and learning difficulties.
Causes
The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy can cause damage to an unborn child, with the extent of harm dependent on the amount, frequency and timing of alcohol use during pregnancy and moderating factors such as maternal genetics, antenatal care, general health and environmental stress.
Diagnosis
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term, with people diagnosed across a spectrum. Characteristic features within the spectrum are rarely apparent at birth. Some functional manifestations of FASD (e.g. problems with academic achievement, development of daily livings skills, or developmentally inappropriate behaviour) may not become apparent until later in childhood. In addition, assessment of executive functioning and memory is more difficult and limited in scope for young children compared to older children. If we are unable to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of FASD, a child may be considered “At Risk of FASD” and require reassessment at a later age.
Early identification and intervention for these children and their families is critical to maximise life outcomes.
