The Guide was produced to assist clinicians in the diagnosis, referral and management of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). It contains the Australian FASD Diagnostic Instrument and information about how to use the instrument. It provides clinicians with diagnostic criteria for FASD, which were agreed following a review of existing guidelines and consultation with clinical experts. These are similar to criteria in the Canadian Guidelines Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders across the lifespan (Jocelyn Cook et al 2016) and use clinical aids developed at the University of Washington to assess facial dysmorphology Diagnostic Guide for FASD The 4-Digit Diagnostic Code (Susan Astley 2004).
The Australian Guide to the diagnosis of FASD was released 5 May 2016 and updated 13 May 2016.
The Australian Guide to the diagnosis of FASD was updated in February 2020. Links have been updated and some pages reformatted. There have been no amendments to the diagnostic instrument and how to use it.
An updated version of the Australian Guidelines for Assessment and Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) or Neurodevelopmental Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND/PAE) is currently under review. Public consultation closed 21 April 2024.
View the Australian Guide to the diagnosis of FASD (updated 2020)
Individual sections of the Australian Guide (February 2020)
Diagnostic categories and criteria for FASD
Table 1: Diagnostic criteria and categories
Figure 1: Diagnostic algorithm
Section A: Assessing maternal alcohol use
Table 2: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C)
Table 2: Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test - Consumption (AUDIT-C) Fillable Form
Section B: Assessing neurodevelopmental impairment
Table 3: Neurodevelopmental domains: Criteria for severe impairment
Section C: Assessing sentinel facial features
Section E: Formulating a diagnosis
Section F: Discussing the diagnosis and developing a management plan
Section G: Reporting a FASD diagnosis
Forms and Resources
Appendix A1: Australian FASD Diagnostic Assessment Form
Appendix A1: Australian FASD Diagnostic Assessment Fillable Form
Appendix A2: Australian FASD Diagnostic Assessment Summary Form
Appendix A2: Australian FASD Diagnostic Assessment Summary Form (Fillable)
Appendix A3: Australian FASD Management Plan
Appendix A3: Australian FASD Management Plan (Fillable Form)
Appendix A5: Australian FASD Diagnostic Assessment Consent Form (this form includes 2 options)
- Consent form for parent/caregiver of person under 18 years
- Consent form for individual capable of giving consent themselves (eg older adolescents and adults)
Appendix A5: Australian FASD Diagnostic Assessment Consent Form (Fillable)
Appendix A9: Referral and screening guidelines
Appendix B: Standard drink sizes for commonly consumed drinks
Appendix C: Assessment of Sentinel Facial Features
Appendix D: Syndromes with constellations of features which overlap with FASD
Information Sheets
Appendix A4: Information on FASD diagnostic assessment for individuals and caregivers
Appendix A7: Information for individuals and caregivers after diagnostic assessment
Appendix A8: Information and resources for clinicians after diagnostic assessment
Reporting a FASD diagnosis
The FASD Australian Registry
Health professionals who look after children under 15 years with a confirmed FASD diagnosis are invited to inform their carers about the FASD Australian Registry (FASDAR).
Maintained by the University of Sydney and funded by the Australian Government Department of Health, the FASDAR aims to maintain a central database of FASD cases and support collection of national FASD data to monitor epidemiological trends and outcomes. These national FASD data will inform government departments, researchers, clinicians, and non-government bodies involved in service delivery, evaluation of treatments, and policy development for FASD, and assist with the provision of information to families regarding new services, effective treatments, peer support, and resources when these become available.
Reporting in Western Australia and South Australia
FASD is a notifiable birth defect in Western Australia and South Australia. To register a FASD diagnosis in these states refer to:
The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit
The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit (APSU) monitors rare childhood conditions that include congenital/genetic disorders, infectious/vaccine preventable conditions, mental health and other injuries. FASD is one of the studies on the APSU Report Card.
Many Australian Paediatricians are currently reporting cases of FASD to the APSU.
Any clinician who wants to be included in the surveillance program can contact the APSU for information on the reporting process.
APSU Contact: 02 9845 3005 or email
Online Case Report Form: FASD
Printable Case Report Form: FASD
E-Learning Modules
E-Learning modules to support health professionals involved in FASD diagnosis and other interested parties have been developed. Access the modules
Australian and New Zealand FASD Clinical Network
The network is a group of clinicians, researchers and advocates who are interested in improving outcomes for individuals with FASD. The purpose of the network is to coordinate, expand capacity and align clinical approaches to referral, assessment, diagnosis and intervention across Australia and New Zealand.
If you are interested in joining the network please contact Christine Rogan