FASD
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. FASD is unfortunately the most overlooked condition in Scotland with only a small proportion of people being diagnosed with FASD. In the UK, FASD is estimated to affect 1 in 20, or 3-5%, (3-4 times greater than autism).
Without early diagnosis and appropriate support starting in childhood, FASD is associated with secondary disabilities including reduced educational attainment and outcomes, mental health, and addiction problems. Timely intervention can ameliorate such risks allowing individuals to achieve their full potential.
For professionals and services with an interest in FASD there is a range of courses and training on the Fetal Alcohol Advisory Support & Training website - Resources - Fetal Alcohol Advisory Support & Training Service (ed.ac.uk).
Factsheets, Leaflets and Video Resources are available on the Faast website - Resources - Fetal Alcohol Advisory Support & Training Service (ed.ac.uk). These include topics such as ‘What is FASD?’ and ‘The importance of early, accurate, diagnosis and support’
For more information on FASD and why it’s best to avoid alcohol during pregnancy or for anyone trying for a baby visit NHS Inform at Alcohol and pregnancy | Ready Steady Baby! (nhsinform.scot)
The FASD Hub Scotland offers a wide range of information, factsheets and support - FASD Hub | Home | Adoption UK Charity
The National Organisation for FASD contains advice on wellbeing; a range of resources and policy documents and information for maternity teams, GPs and health care professionals, educators and social care workers - Educators - National FASD
Fundamentals in FASD Training (Free)
A 90-minute training course designed to give you a detailed overview of FASD. Sessions are run regularly throughout the year. Please register for an upcoming session via the FAAST Team Eventbrite page.
University of Edinburgh Accredited Courses in FASD
We offer two part-time, 10-week, online courses designed to fit around full-time posts, which can contribute to a postgraduate certificate:
Target audience - Professional or lay interest in neurodevelopmental conditions
Content:
- Comprehensive overview of FASD
- Epidemiology, presentation and effects of FASD from prenatal period into later life
The Assessment and Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (Online)
Target audience - Members of neurodevelopmental multi-disciplinary teams involved in assessment and diagnosis of FASD
Content:
- Comprehensive understanding of the diagnostic criteria for FASD
Process of assessment across the lifespan
Post-diagnosis considerations
Both courses are delivered once annually; places are limited, and early applications are encouraged.
Professionals working in neurodevelopmental pathways or assessment work may wish to consider the post graduate certificate in FASD. Please contact Faast directly for further details at faast@ed.ac.uk. If you are a professional who would like a clinical consultation on a specific case, please register at the professional portal and submit your request directly to the team.
Support for professionals supporting children and young people with FASD:
- FASD Scotland
- National FASD – Educators page. Students with FASD will present with a pronounced and complex set of needs that can make it difficult for teachers to know how best to support them.
- FASD Hub Scotland and their various factsheet resources.
