By Celeste Larkins

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe the lifelong impacts of the brain and body of people prenatally exposed to alcohol. People with FASD experience challenges in their daily living, and generally need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation and social skills (NoFASD, 2020). In Australia, FASD is considerably under diagnosed and is termed the ‘invisible disability’, as it will often go overlooked or be misdiagnosed for something else, meaning the support that is required is often not provided. Worldwide, it is recognised as the leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental and learning disability (Mather, Wiles & O’Brien, 2015).

In partnership with Geraldton Local Drug Action Group, we are supporting the community to develop local radio and video messages around healthy pregnancy, highlighting that no alcohol is safest when planning pregnancy, pregnant or breastfeeding. In addition, we are also working with services to raise awareness of the support available for mothers that are struggling during pregnancy and encouraging them to seek the help they need. With 50% of pregnancies unplanned, and the heavy drinking culture in Australia, we are supporting a wider strategy in changing this dangerous drinking culture.

Sadly, people with FASD have a life expectancy of 34 years of age, with the leading cause of death being suicide (Thank & Jonsson, 2016). Without support, secondary issues develop such as school failure, addiction, mental health illness, unemployment, homelessness and incarceration. We want all mothers to be supported throughout their pregnancy to give their babies the best start in life. Here are some of the messages that have been developed:

Additional resources: https://www.nofasd.org.au