He aha a FASD? | What is FASD?

In 2019, the Canadian FASD Research Network created a global definition of FASD which was intended to minimise confusion and stigma. This definition is reviewed annually.

"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. 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."

Research has consistently found the brain to be the organ most sensitive to the effects of PAE, as the brain is developing throughout the entire pregnancy. Each level of development of the brain (and body) builds on the previous, so if the first part of brain development is affected by alcohol, it affects the rest. The wide range of impacts includes both physical and cognitive (behavioural and learning) effects.

However, physiological issues associated with PAE can include

  • Low body weight
  • Small head size
  • Problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones
  • Abnormal facial features, such as a thin upper lip and a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip (this ridge is called the philtrum) – but this is relatively rare 
  • Shorter-than-average height
  • Vision or hearing problems
  • Sleep and sucking problems as a baby
  • Poor coordination.

The IQ range for all on the spectrum is from 20 – 130. Approximately 20% of those diagnosed in New Zealand have an intellectual disability, defined as an IQ below 70. This qualifies them for Disability Support Services – if an IQ of under 70 cannot be proven, individuals are currently not eligible for DSS.

IQ is not the only measure of brain function however – people affected by FASD can have an ‘average’ or even quite high IQ, but are seriously challenged by deficits in their adaptive and executive functioning. For this reason FASD-CAN and others advocate for a change in the eligibility criteria for DSS.