Stigma around FASD causes serious, practical harm in several ways.

• It stops people from seeking help

When pregnant people feel intense whakama / shame and judgement, they are more likely to avoid help. This can lead to increased stress and isolation, which makes stopping drinking even harder.

• It delays or prevents diagnosis

Stigma can cause a parent to feel unable to report PAE history honestly. This lack of information can lead to an incorrect diagnosis for the tamaiti / child when we know that early, FASD-informed interventions are crucial for the best life outcomes.

• It compounds challenges

Discrimination, negative attitudes, and incorrect beliefs can make a person with FASD feel worthless and ashamed about the challenges they face—when these challenges are not of their own making. It increases trauma and isolation for the person with FASD and their whole whānau.

By increasing our understanding and using supportive, neutral language, we can lessen stigma and ensure people with FASD and their whānau or family get the respectful, effective support they deserve.