FASD is only one part of a person’s identity. People with FASD have the same hopes and fears as others. They have families who love them and friends they cherish. They have strengths and difficulties as we all do. Just like other people with or without a disability, they enjoy a variety of activities and can make a valuable contribution to their community.
Our thanks go to the remarkable families who gave their time and invited us into their homes, school and life. Their stories are testament to their hardwork, dedication, love and resilience in bringing up these children and young people.
We also acknowledge the expertise and professionalism of the health professionals who gave us their time to film them in their clinics and offices.
Overview
FASD in Australia
Our stories
Geraldine and Lola
Geraldine and her daughter Lola share their FASD story.
Anita and Dima
Anita and her son Dima shared their story of receiving a diagnosis and navigating FASD in the teen years at the FASD Awareness Month Virtual Seminar Series in 2020.
Jess and Sue
Jess is 34, and just last year was diagnosed with FASD. She and her mum Sue share their story of the journey to a diagnosis.
Parent and carer perspectives
Vanessa's story
Dr Vanessa Spiller is a Clinical Psychologist and parent to a young adult living with FASD. This video highlights their journey and the importance of finding strengths and interest and building good relationships.
Anita's Story
Anita is a social worker and parent to three teenagers, two of whom have been diagnosed with FASD. In this video, Anita and her son Dima share their experiences and encourage health professionals to work in partnership with families to bring about positive solutions.
Kaths story - caring for carers' mental health
Kath is a carer of two young children diagnosed with FASD. In this video she speaks of the difficulties and importance of caring for the carer.
Michael and Lina's story
Michael and Lina are children living with FASD in Australia. Learn about their challenges and their successes when they have the right supports in place.
Jazpa's story
Join Jazpa and his mum Sam to learn more about their journey living with FASD.
Challenges and Hopes
A look at the strengths, challenges and hopes for young Australians living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Professional perspectives
A conversation with Professor Carol Bower: Shining a Light on FASD
Professor Carol Bower has spent 20 years studying alcohol in pregnancy and FASD. Here, she discusses why research into FASD is so important, and what we're doing in Australia to reduce the its prevalence.
A Doctor's Story
Gold Coast paediatrician Dr Doug Shelton shares his journey moving from ignorance to knowledge about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Dr Shelton now heads up one the leading FASD assessment clinics in Australia.
The FASD assessment process: Natasha and Maree
Clinical psychologist Dr Natasha Reid and occupational therapist Maree Maloney discuss some practical tools and activities they use to bring a strength-focused approach to the FASD assessment process.
Managing FASD
Insights and tips from health professionals and parents and carers about approaches to managing FASD.
Dr Nicole Hayes: The impact of sleep difficulties on daily life
Thanks to data provided by over 160 carers around the world, Dr Nicole Hayes has been able to explore the impact of sleep problems on children with FASD and their families.
Dr Rebecca Pedruzzi: Working to prevent prenatal alcohol exposure
In this video, Dr Rebecca Pedruzzi discusses how her research is helping to ensure women and their families are supported to make the decision not to drink during pregnancy.
Evi Muggli: The AQUA Study
Based at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Evi Muggli manages one of the world's largest long-term studies on alcohol in pregnancy, Asking Questions about Alcohol (AQUA).
Dr Melissa Cheung: The FASD Australian Registry
Launched this year, the FASD Australian Registry (FASDAR) aims to maintain a central database of cases in Australia, in order to help develop a greater understanding of FASD, inform new research, and support families.
David Tucker: Making FASD History in the Pilbara
In this video, PhD candidate David Tucker shares some of the findings from the Make FASD History in the Pilbara project and discusses the role of men in supporting their partners to not drink alcohol during pregnancy.
Dr Hayley Passmore: Reframe Training
Dr Hayley Passmore leads Reframe Training, a course to help professionals working with young people with FASD and neurodevelopmental impairments understand their needs and respond appropriately.
Kelly Skorka: Focusing on strengths
University of Queensland PhD candidate Kelly Skorka is researching the benefits of a holistic approach when supporting young people with FASD - one that looks at both strengths and challenges to gain a more complete picture of daily life.
Elissa Strumpher: Alcohol & Breastfeeding
In this video, mum of two Elissa Strumpher answers some common questions about alcohol and breastfeeding.
Check out our FAQ for more information.
What's in a diagnosis?
Journey to Diagnosis
Going through an assessment and learning your child has FASD is a very challenging time, but parents & carers also report benefits from finally understanding the cause of their child's difficulties.
Diagnosing FASD
Join health professionals from around Australia who assess and diagnose Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) using the 'Australian Guide to the diagnosis of FASD'.
You can also watch:
- Videos of the plenary sessions at the 2nd Australasian FASD Conference held in Perth in November 2018.
- Recordings from the 2020 FASD Hub Virtual Seminar Series.
These sessions include presentations from policy makers, researchers, health professionals and parents & carers.