Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Fetal Alcohol Disorders are a common group of neurodevelopmental abnormalities caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. A diagnosis remains challenging due to a lack of access to neurodevelopmental pathways and training in how to obtain accurate alcohol histories in pregnancy. Use of biomarkers and other definitive means of ascertaining exposure is at a research stage only. Up to one in twenty schoolchildren in the UK may be affected. Early recognition and treatment can lead to significant improved outcomes.