Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability and it's estimated that between 3-5% of babies born in Aotearoa annually will have FASD.

Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential.

Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.

There is strong evidence that although social work support can and should play a positive role in both prevention and support of FASD, most social workers in Aotearoa/New Zealand feel under-informed on how to effectively work with those impacted by it – see Auckland University research from their 2022 survey in the tab below, as well as a recent (March 2023) research paper from Australia which reaches the same conclusion.

* FASD Learning and Networking group for Social and Support workers (LANSAS)

FASD-CAN facilitates an online FASD learning and networking group. It's led by FASD-experienced social workers and is an opportunity to learn more about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and connect with peers. You can join at any time.

Click here for more details and to register!