Understanding fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Understanding fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
12:00 - 13:30 Thursday, 11 September 2025
Children’s social care practitioners are often the first to identify individuals and families at risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and yet it goes widely under-diagnosed. FASD may be more prevalent than autism and it disproportionately affects children in care and those who are adopted.
In this webinar, Joanna Buckard explains what it means to have FASD. Participants will explore the critical role practitioners play in supporting children and young people with FASD and their families before, during and after the assessment and diagnostic process.
The session will build on a recent Research in Practice Frontline Briefing that explores identifying and responding to FASD in practice with families.
Learning outcomes
As a result of attending this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Understand what FASD is and consider how it presents in children and young people.
- Reflect on insights from young people with FASD.
- Appreciate your role in supporting multi-agency assessment and support for children and young people with FASD.
- Apply practice principles for strengths-based practice and a neuro-behavioural perspective when supporting families.
- Advocate for individuals with FASD with the aim of reducing stigma and increasing support.
If the above event (or occurrence of an event) is displaying as 'Event Full' and you would like to be added to a waiting list, please email events@researchinpractice.org.uk detailing the required event title, event time and date.
We will contact you should places become available.
Audience Types
Practitioners
Principal Social Worker (PSW)
Social workers
Senior practitioners
Professional Standards
PQS:KSS - Relationships and effective direct work | Child development | Adult mental ill health, substance misuse, domestic abuse, physical ill health and disability | Analysis, decision-making, planning and review | Promote and govern excellent practice | Purposeful and effective social work
PCF - Diversity and equality | Rights, justice and economic wellbeing | Knowledge | Intervention and skills
RCOT - Identify needs | Support development
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) – identifying and responding in practice with families: Frontline Briefing (2025)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Recent studies suggest 2-4% of the population may have FASD, often undiagnosed. This resource helps practitioners understand FASD, its impact on families, and how to support affected children and young people.
The impact of parental substance use on child development: Frontline Briefing (2020)
This briefing looks at the potential impact of problematic parental substance use across different domains of child development.
Enabling decision-making by children and young people with speech, language and communication needs - Four part: Practice Guide (2024)
This four-part practice guide contains guidance, tips, and practice pointers for anyone seeking to actively involve a child or young person with speech, language, and communication needs (SLCN) in making decisions about their lives within assessment and review processes.