Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Abstract

There is substantial evidence from both observational studies of humans, and experimental studies in animals, that fetal alcohol exposure can cause physical malformations, growth retardation and brain damage.1-5 Alcohol exposure in pregnancy is commonly cited as the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability.6,7 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term used for the range of physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities caused by exposure to alcohol in utero.8 The Ministry of Health has recently published an Action Plan Taking Action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder 2016 to 20197 which is New Zealand’s first attempt at taking a coordinated and strategic national approach to FASD. The plan recognises that FASD contributes to many poor outcomes for New Zealand’s young people including early mortality, abuse and neglect, poor educational achievement, engagement with the criminal justice system, benefit dependence, and mental health and alcohol and drug problems.