Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in New Zealand is well known to be a difficult process unless there is documented prenatal alcohol exposure and the baby has the 'sentinel facial features' which can be associated with FASD and which make diagnosis relatively straightforward.

These features include small palpebral fissure length (the length of the eye opening), smooth philtrum (the groove between the nose and upper lip) and thin upper lip. They only occur if alcohol is consumed early in pregnancy (days 19-21) when the baby's face is forming.

Sentinel facial features are present in less than 10% of people with FASD – the vast majority of people do not have any outward physical sign, making it truly a 'hidden' disability.

Diagnosis takes a team of multi-disciplinary specialists to work together over a period of time examining various brain domains which can be affected by prenatal alcohol exposure (there must be substantial impairment in at least three to get a diagnosis).

There are very long waitlists for the few free public services available around the motu / country. And for a private diagnosis, the costs can be prohibitive (up to $9K). See tab below for our interactive map of assessment services around Aotearoa New Zealand.

FASD has historically been diagnosed in Aotearoa New Zealand using either Canadian or Australian Diagnostic Guidelines (see 'International Guidelines' tab below). However, in 2024 new FASD Diagnostic Guidelines for Aotearoa were introduced, and then-Health Minister Shane Reti announced that funding would be made available for professionals to be trained in the use of these guidelines. This is currently in process. For more information, please head to the tab below: Aotearoa's Diagnostic Guidelines 2024.

For further reading on diagnosis from a Caregivers and Whānau point of view click here.