FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
FASD stands for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It can only be caused by alcohol exposure in pregnancy which can affect the developing brain and body of the baby before they are born. Prevention and Increasing Professional Knowledge and Awareness are at the core of the Sheffield FASD Strategy
Alcohol is a toxic substance that easily crosses from the mother to the foetus throughout the pregnancy and disrupts a baby’s development. A developing foetus does not have a fully developed liver, it cannot filter out the toxins from the alcohol and this causes harm. It is now known that there is no safe time, no safe type, no safe amount of alcohol to drink when pregnant.
FASD is a life-long neurodevelopmental condition causing cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. Each person with FASD is affected differently and has both strengths and difficulties. They and their families need support to learn FASD-informed strategies to support them in their daily lives.
Long Term Strategic Aims
- Increased public awareness of FASD leading to reduced Alcohol Exposed Pregnancies.
- Not drinking alcohol when pregnant has the same significance as not smoking.
- Increased understanding and awareness of FASD within the Sheffield workforce.
- Improved identification, assessment and diagnosis of children and young people and undiagnosed adults.
- Support services for people with FASD, their families, schools, and services developed.
- Improved identification and support for people when involved with the criminal justice system.
- A greater understanding of the prevalence of FASD in Sheffield.
- Sheffield meets all 5 NICE Quality Standards for FASD.
To meet the long term aims of the strategy 4 Strategic Priorities have been identified alongside an action plan.
Strategic Priorities
Priority One: PREVENTION
Reduce Alcohol Exposed Pregnancies in Sheffield through raising public awareness.
No safe time. No safe type. No safe amount. Avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy.
Priority Two: INCREASING PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE and AWARENESS
Increase enforcement services and education, health and social care practitioners understanding and confidence in identifying FASD and understanding that it is a lifelong condition.
Priority Three: DIAGNOSIS
Increase identification, assessment and diagnosis to ensure the individual and family get the support that they need.
Priority Four: SUPPORT
Develop pre and post diagnosis support for individuals and families.
Further Information