What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD may experience challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, emotional regulation, and social skills. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.
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How is FASD diagnosed?
Diagnosis of FASD requires a neuropsychological assessment to consider whether there are areas of brain impairment and a medical assessment to consider physical health and possible genetic or other reasons for the difficulties found.
Not everyone exposed to alcohol prenatally goes on to have FASD which is a severe and pervasive neurodisability. However, when a mother drinks in pregnancy even before she finds out she is pregnant and the child has serious behaviour, learning or social problems then there is a risk for FASD. In New Zealand we follow the Canadian FASD Diagnostic Guideline that were revised in 2015. These guidelines are based in evidence of leading international experts and the data base of the Canadian FASD network. At the FASD Centre Aotearoa we follow these guidelines stringently to diagnose FASD. Sometimes a child may be found to have a different neurodisability or no disability at all. The evaluation is thorough and provides a report that describes strengths and weaknesses so that the child can be better understood and managed.
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Why diagnose FASD?
A diagnosis is critical to understanding the individual with FASD so that we know what to do to help them reach their potential. With a diagnosis of FASD, there is much that can be done to adjust the environment at home and school to better suit the child. When expectations are set at the right level, emotional and behavioural dysregulation can be reduced and the individual with FASD can do better. Along with a diagnosis comes advise to match the child’s areas of need so that they can become successful. Every individual with FASD is different and has their own profile of strengths and impairments. Without a well formulated diagnosis it is difficult to know what to do for the best.
Referrals
The FASD Centre, Aotearoa operates on a fee for services basis. There needs to be a funding source for referrals to be made and most assessments are provided to government agencies. We receive referrals from Oranga Tamariki, Permanent Caregiver Support Service (PCSS), Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, the Courts, lawyers and occasionally from families directly. To make a referral we require either a confirmation of or strong evidence for, prenatal alcohol exposure which may come from birth mother, medical or other records or from another reliable source. There also needs to be a history of severe and pervasive problems at home, school or in the community that indicate a brain-based disability.
If you would like to make a referral please email our co-ordinator on coordinator@fasd.org.nz with a brief summary of your concerns and a referral form will be forwarded.