Management of a person with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Early recognition of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is important to enable early intervention and prevention of secondary effects (eg long-term social and functional problems that can lead to adverse life outcomes).

Management of a person with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder should be based on comprehensive assessment and tailored to individual needs, with a focus on maximising their functional capacity, including accommodations and supports for specific neurodevelopmental impairments. Formal functional and adaptive assessment should be repeated (eg at life-stage transitions or if there is behaviour change) to ensure care is adapted to fit changing health, developmental and support needs.

Reasonable adjustments can be helpful to facilitate health care and other service access for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) funding may be available for early intervention, functional therapy, behavioural and other supports for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

For general advice on the management of people with developmental disability at various life stages, see children, adolescents, adults or people who are ageing.