Alcohol consumed at any stage of pregnancy passes directly to the developing baby and can damage their brain, body, and organs. It can lead to a lifelong disability known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Not drinking any alcohol during pregnancy will prevent FASD.
Reducing your alcohol use reduces your risk of cancer.
FASD is the leading preventable developmental disability in Australia. People with FASD can experience challenges such as:
The experience of each person with FASD is unique. A person living with FASD has their own individual strengths and challenges, but all experience some degree of difficulty in everyday life and will likely need additional support.
People living with FASD can:
Or have challenges with understanding and learning from consequences.
Have difficulty managing responses to sensory stimuli, which result in them becoming overwhelmed or distressed in busy environments.
Have challenges with regulating their emotions and need a caregiver or other adult to support them through this.
Demonstrate delayed language development, impacting their ability to communicate their thoughts or needs, and participate in conversations with family, peers, and others.
Find social interactions and activities difficult.
When Jessica was diagnosed with FASD at age 33 it helped her to better understand herself and her experiences of the world.
Hear about Jessica’s journey to her diagnosis and how she’s raising awareness of FASD in the community.
Vanessa shares her experience and discusses the role parents and carers can play in supporting young people with FASD.
You can read more about FASD on our Every Moment Matters website.
You can also learn more about FASD, or find a FASD-informed healthcare provider, through the following organisations.
More information
To find a local GP, you can call 1800 022 222 or visit healthdirect.gov.au. To find a local psychologist, visit psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist. If you need other support to reduce your drinking, you can contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Will you join the community taking action on alcohol?
FARE acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
©2023 FARE
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FARE acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
©2021 FARE
Privacy Statement
T&C
