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Australia Launches First National Guidelines for Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

The NHMRC-approved guidelines aim to address chronic underdiagnosis, improve access to services, and reduce stigma for individuals with FASD.

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A woman standing next to a teen boy at his school graduation

Overview

  • The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has approved Australia's first national clinical practice guidelines for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
  • Developed over four years, the guidelines involved reviewing 300 research papers and consulting more than 120 experts, families, and cultural advisers across 40 organizations.
  • The guidelines promote a flexible, multi-disciplinary assessment approach, enabling practitioners to collaborate across services to improve diagnostic access nationwide.
  • FASD, a lifelong brain injury caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, remains underdiagnosed in Australia, with an estimated 98% of cases undetected or misdiagnosed.
  • Stakeholders are urging practitioner training and expanded support services to ensure the guidelines translate into improved diagnosis rates and tailored interventions.