About FASD
FASD is a diagnostic term for a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by exposure to alcohol before birth. The main effects from this exposure are to the brain but alcohol can also affect other parts of the body.
People who have FASD, or possible FASD, can experience complex physical, behavioural, learning and intellectual problems that persist throughout their lives. Impairment also varies between people depending on when and how much alcohol was consumed during the development of their brain and other parts of their bodies before they were born.
There is no data on the prevalence of FASD in New Zealand, but international studies and expert opinion suggest that around 3 to 5 percent of people may be affected by the effects of alcohol exposure before birth. This implies that around 1800-3000 babies may be born with FASD each year in New Zealand.
More FASD information and resources can be found at Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder on Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora’s website.
The Ministry of Health’s role in addressing FASD
The Public Health Agency, within the Ministry of Health, is the Government's lead advisor on alcohol harm reduction, including FASD. The Agency works with the health sector, including Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora, Disability Support Services (Ministry of Social Development), and Whaikaha – Ministry of disabled People, and people living with FASD and their families on actions to prevent incidences of FASD and improve the lives of people living with FASD.
We want a New Zealand where people are supported to have alcohol-free pregnancies, where the prevalence of FASD is well understood, where health and disability services have the training they need to diagnose FASD, and people living with FASD and their families are well supported.
FASD actions for 2024–25
FASD awareness and capability building training
Actions
- Training Child Development Services (CDS) professionals based on New Zealand’s FASD diagnostic guidelines.
- Development and delivery of a new training programme for NZQA-approved FASD micro-credential skill standards 40005 and 40006 which is relevant to the FASD and affiliated workforce.
- Community FASD training specifically focused on a non-clinical workforce and community practitioners.
Purpose
Growing FASD awareness and capability (including diagnosis) across a range of health and social service professionals and within communities.
Community-led FASD Pilot Programme
Actions
Comprehensive programme delivered by the Māori Coalition for Te Iho Tātai-ā-Rongo (FASD), including a series of regional wānanga, establishing peer support networks, building FASD capacity within regions, and an evaluation programme.
Purpose
Reducing isolation, addressing respite care challenges, and improving FASD support within Māori and high-needs communities, drawing on the expertise of hauora Māori and community practitioners, and whānau living with FASD.
Nationwide FASD prevention campaign and activities
Actions
Campaign delivered across a range of channels and media and cross-sector activities to promote prevention strategies for FASD.
FASD prevention campaign website
Purpose
Promoting prevention of FASD by supporting people to have alcohol-free pregnancies and reducing stigma around FASD.
FASD prevalence study
Actions
Undertaking an FASD prevalence study to understand the true nature of the challenge FASD presents in New Zealand, rather than relying on extrapolated overseas data.
Purpose
Understanding the extent and impact of FASD in New Zealand, and how demographic, socioeconomic, and maternal factors influence occurrence and diagnosis.
Revitalising the FASD Strategic Action Plan
Actions
The Ministry of Health and Health NZ are co-leading a community-focused, cross-government approach to the development of an FASD Strategic Action Plan.
The previous plan is available at Taking Action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: 2016–2019: An action plan.
Purpose
Ensuring a coordinated, system-wide response and priorities to support people with FASD, that draws on the lived experience of the FASD community.
