Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is **a** diagnostic term for a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by exposure to alcohol before birth.

FASD causes harm to millions of children and their families in the developing world, and Aotearoa is no exception.

It is estimated between 1800 and 3000 children are born with FASD every year in this country. But as yet we have no coherent centralised health strategy, no active monitoring of FASD births and no access to disability support services for people with FASD, unless you also have an intellectual disability.

Unfortunately, many people don’t know about FASD. Here are some facts to help you better understand it and to hopefully encourage you to act in support of FASD children and their families.

**Useful facts to know:**

In 2020/21, around[ one in every five New Zealanders](https://www.actionpoint.org.nz/drinking-in-new-zealand) had a hazardous drinking pattern and data collected by the Ministry of Health suggests [only half of all pregnancies were planned](https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/pregnancy-planning-findings-2014-15-new-zealand-health-survey). We need to recognise that the problem of alcohol abuse is a societal one, and not stigmatise birth mothers of children with FASD.

Reactions to exposure to alcohol in the womb vary enormously and [no one can predict a safe level of alcohol for developing fetuses.](https://www.health.govt.nz/your-health/conditions-and-treatments/disabilities/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd)

The New Zealand Government initiated a three-year FASD action plan in 2016. One significant outcome is that the alcohol industry has until July 2023 to label all alcoholic products with the statement ‘Alcohol can cause lifelong significant harm to your baby’.

The Ministry of Health estimates the annual cost of FASD [to be $450 million ](https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2022/03/circuit/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-mismanagement-new-zealand/)with another[ $200 million per year ](https://interactives.stuff.co.nz/2022/03/circuit/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-mismanagement-new-zealand/)in so-called “lost productivity”.

[Up to a quarter](https://journal.nzma.org.nz/journal-articles/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-and-prisoners-the-need-for-research-informed-action) of our current prison population of 8000 people are believed to have FASD.

We at Awhi Ngā Mātua support calls to prioritise research into the extent of FASD affected individuals in New Zealand. This would help to provide effective and targeted treatments to families impacted by FASD.

### **More useful facts to know when it comes to our children:**

Sometimes children with FASD cannot grasp ‘consequences’ – this is because of FASD not because they are innately ‘naughty’.

Many children with FASD bear no outward markers of the syndrome, which means frequently no allowances are made for the effects of the syndrome on their behaviour and development.

Children with FASD often have low self-esteem because they are frequently told off and punished for behaviour over which they have no control.

If a child with FASD gets a diagnosis before the age of six they have much improved outcomes in later life.

Children with FASD thrive when treated with understanding and empathy. Improving knowledge of FASD in New Zealand’s education, justice and health sectors would go a great deal toward better understanding and more empathy.

[For more on FASD check out the resources from the **IHC Library,**](https://www.ihc.org.nz/how-we-can-help/library) many of these can be read online. Or contact the IHC library directly to have a chat about what you need on **0800 442 442** or email**: librarian@ihc.org.nz**.


Emily Writes

One child dressed all in red, reaches their hands up to catch a ball, thrown by a child in yellow.

What is FASD?

What is fetal alcohol syndrome? What is FASD? What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorder? What is foetal alcohol syndrome? What is foetal alcohol spectrum disorder?

FASD, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, fetal alcohol syndrome, FASD, foetal alcohol syndrome, Understanding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Coping with FASD, FASD awareness

Forsaken:  - New Zealand's shameful mismanagement of FASD - Paula Penfold

New Zealand's shameful mismanagement of FASD

Reports on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in New Zealand and backgrounds the documentary "Disordered: FASD in New Zealand".

Forsaken: New Zealand's shameful mismanagement of FASD

Summary

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What is FASD?