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 support work such as counselling, creative therapies and respite care can play a positive role in both prevention and support of FASD, most support 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.

* 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!