Press Release: Ministerial announcement on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
On 25th September the Minister for Health, Dr Shane Reti, announced new initiatives relating to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) at the 2024 FASD Symposium in Tāmaki Makaurau. Dr Reti acknowledged that FASD has been under-recognised and under-supported for too long. He said that we stand on the precipice of meaningful change when he announced three new initiatives to address FASD in Aotearoa.
The first initiative is a study to determine the prevalence of FASD in Aotearoa. Dr Leigh Henderson, Chair of FASD-CAN, the organisation supporting people with FASD and their families/whānau, said FASD-CAN is supportive of this work. “A prevalence study will allow us to understand the true level of this neurodisability in Aotearoa. We know, from our work with individuals with FASD and their whānau, the huge personal burden of living with FASD. But for the first time data will be available to inform policy decisions on supporting this disability."
A recent study showed that FASD costs Aotearoa $4.6bn per annum. Those with FASD are not supported through the education system, the majority of those affected do not have access to any disability support, they are more prone to substance abuse and have early disengagement from the education system. “Overseas research shows that early intervention to help individuals with FASD and their families greatly improves their life outcomes and reduces the risk of the adverse effects such as involvement in the justice system, addiction and mental health issues. Having actual data relevant for our country will help demonstrate the consequences which arise from the lack of suitable interventions, especially disability support. This issue has been ignored for too long. We appreciate that the Minister has shone a spotlight on this issue and that there is some hope for those who have lived without it for far too long," said Stephanie James-Sadler, CEO of FASD-CAN.
The second initiative relates to addressing the gap in knowledge of professionals supporting people with FASD and their families and whānau – in education, social work, justice, mental health and addiction and other professions. Using alcohol levy money, funding will be available to develop an NZQA approved micro-credential training programme, accessible and relevant for a range of professions. FASD-CAN worked with Toitū te Waiora to gain NZQA approval of this qualification. “We believe that having more professionals aware of FASD and the accommodations required to help them to live their best lives will be life-changing for many of those living with this neurodisability,” said James-Sadler.
The third initiative relates to improving awareness and knowledge of FASD and reducing the stigma surrounding FASD. FASD is a very common neurodisability in Aotearoa New Zealand, but is largely hidden. It affects between 3-5% of the population. James-Sadler explained. “Approximately 60,000 people under 18 years old are likely to be affected by this neurodisability. FASD can impact people across a range of areas – education, substance misuse, mental health, employment, justice and suicide. We want people to understand that drinking during pregnancy is a game of Russian roulette, with potentially life-long consequences."
“New Zealand has a high level of unplanned pregnancies with over 40% likely to be alcohol-exposed. Combined with our heavy drinking culture we are a country at high risk of FASD. When a person has FASD, parents are often blamed for poor parenting, those with FASD are often bullied, misunderstood and punished for bad behaviour. An effective public awareness campaign should reduce the prevalence of those affected by this lifelong brain disability and reduce the stigma attached to it. We welcome it,” said Henderson.
Ministerial announcement
You can read about Dr Reti's announcement on the Beehive website here.
Background
Cost of harm due to FASD
Two new reports in 2024 have shown that FASD has a far greater impact than is commonly recognised
Symposium background
The Symposium was held on September 25/26 at the Western Springs Garden Community Hall in Tāmaki Makarua. It was aimed at professionals with the goal of updating them on the latest research on FASD, but many caregivers and whānau also attended. Presenters include clinicians, professors, researchers, leaders of the Māori Coalition for FASD, Te Whatu Ora executives – see the Symposium programme here.
