FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER

We support and guide those who are not capable of navigating a neurotypical world.

What is FASD?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term for a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by exposure to alcohol before birth. The main effects from alcohol exposure is on the brain but it can also affect other parts of the body. FASD is known as the invisible disability and many people go on undiagnosed. They experience servere impariment in at least three of the ten brain domains of the central nervous system structure or function.
There is no prevelance data of FASD in New Zealand but experts suggest around 3 of 5 percent of people born may be affected by the effects of alcohol exposure before birth. This implies that around 1,800 - 3,000 babies are born with FASD each year in New Zealand.

Supporting those with FASD

A key to supporting tamariki or whanau with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) is having a good understanding of FASD and how individuals with FASD are impacted. This resource provides an explanation of FASD, its impact on the brain as well as explores behavioural patterns in students with FASD. Strategies for designing classroom instruction and routines to support students with FASD are also highlighted. The resource was developed by Dr. Jacqueline Pei and her colleagues, Stephanie Hayes and Alethea Heudes.
Module 1: Supporting Students with FASD
Module One provides clear explanations of how prenatal alcohol exposure affects brain development.
Module 2: Supporting Students FASD
Module Two explores the difference between brain structure and brain function and provides educators with strategies for becoming active problem solvers.
Module 3: Supporting Students with FASD
Module Three explores behavioural patterns and how prenatal exposure to alcohol impacts the brain's ability to regulate mood, emotion and reactions to stress.

More FASD resources

FASD-CAN
Fetal Alcohol Sprectrum Disorder - Care Action Network FASD-CAN is a charity which supports families and individuals affected by pre-natal alcohol exposure in New Zealand. FASD want to ensure wider public knowledge of FASD, to push for more access to disability support and services, and to help understand and support individuals with FASD and their caregivers so they can live their best lives.
CanFASD
The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary research network, with collaborators, researchers and partners across the nation. It is Canada’s first comprehensive national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network. It started as an alliance of seven jurisdictions and operated for seven years as the Canada Northwest FASD Research Network.
CanFASD
Find essential information about what FASD is, assessment and diagnosis, managing FASD and prevention. Plus a comprehensive listing of Australian and international FASD resources.

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