The University of Queensland has released Australia's first national clinical guidelines for the assessment and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), aiming to improve early intervention, reduce stigma, and increase access to support across all communities.
The guidelines were developed through a four-year project led by UQ's Child Health Research Centre and involved collaboration with more than 40 organisations.
They have been approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Project lead Dr Natasha Reid said the guidelines provide a consistent approach to diagnosing FASD, the leading cause of non-genetic developmental disability in Australia.
"FASD is a lifelong disability arising from prenatal exposure to alcohol, but every individual is unique with areas of both strength and challenges," Dr Reid said.
"The challenges can include difficulties with attention, learning and memory, communication, behavioural and emotional regulation."
Dr Reid said the guidelines were developed to support health professionals in a variety of settings, not just specialist clinics.
"We hope these new guidelines will enhance assessment and diagnostic practices, improve service accessibility, reduce stigma, and ultimately improve the quality of life for all people living with FASD in Australia."
Noongar woman Senior Research Fellow at Curtin University, Dr Robyn Williams, welcomed the national approach but emphasised that culturally safe, community-led care remains essential.
"This is a direct consequence of colonisation, racism and poor social health determinants," Dr Williams said.
"It is essential approaches to prevent and support people living with FASD are culturally safe, trauma-aware and led by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community."
The release of the guidelines aligns with the Strong Born campaign, launched by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and supported by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education.
Gudanji-Arrernte woman and NACCHO chief executive Ms Pat Turner said the campaign is focused on raising awareness and reducing shame around FASD in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
"The Strong Born campaign is about raising awareness and understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and reducing stigma and shame," Ms Turner said.
"Growing strong healthy mums and bubs leads to healthy communities."
The new guidelines are expected to support national efforts like Strong Born by equipping more practitioners with the tools to identify and support individuals with FASD, particularly in regional and remote communities.
