Less than 5% of individuals with FASD display the sentinel facial features (thin upper lip, small or short eye openings, smooth philtrum), but all individuals will experience neurodevelopmental impairments.

It is estimated that FASD affects approximately 2% of the general population in Australia. This equates to 6000 babies born with FASD each year.

FASD is a lifelong disability that has permanent effects on an individual’s body and brain.

FASD can affect brain structure, motor skills, cognition, language, academic achievement, memory, attention, executive function, social skills and affect regulation.

FASD can be difficult to differentiate from other neurodevelopmental disorders due to the overlap of symptoms. FASD can also co-occur with other disorders, a concept known as comorbidity.

Since 2016, when national diagnostic guidelines were developed in Australia, we use the term FASD. Terms used previously, such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, should no longer be used.

Early diagnosis and intervention can reduce the risk of long-term negative outcomes, such as a disrupted school experience, mental health issues, contact with the justice system, and harmful substance use.