September: Raising Awareness of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Every September, individuals, families, healthcare professionals, educators, and organisations around the world come together to recognise FASD Awareness Month.

A key date within the month is 9 September (9/9), International FASD Awareness Day, which symbolises the importance of remaining alcohol-free for the nine months of pregnancy.

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure that can affect brain development, learning, behaviour, emotional regulation, communication, and physical health. While FASD is entirely preventable, it remains one of the most under-recognised and underdiagnosed neurodevelopmental disabilities worldwide.

Why Awareness of FASD Matters

Many people are unaware that there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy. Increasing awareness helps individuals make informed choices, supports healthcare professionals to have confident conversations about alcohol use in pregnancy, and encourages earlier identification and support for those living with FASD.

Research suggests that FASD may affect between 1% and 5% of school-aged children in the United Kingdom and some Western countries, meaning as many as 1 in 20 children could be living with the condition. Despite this prevalence, many individuals remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, often struggling without access to the support they need.

Reducing Stigma Through Understanding

Awareness campaigns are not about blame. Instead, they focus on education, prevention, compassion, and support. Alcohol use during pregnancy can be influenced by a range of complex factors, including lack of information, social pressures, stress, trauma, and barriers to healthcare. Creating a supportive environment is essential for both prevention and improving outcomes for affected individuals and families.

How Can We Raise Awareness of FASD?

Everyone can play a role in increasing understanding of FASD. Some practical ways to raise awareness include:

• Sharing evidence-based information on social media during September.

• Wearing red or participating in local events on International FASD Awareness Day (9 September).

• Displaying posters and educational materials in healthcare, community, and workplace settings.

• Encouraging alcohol-free options at social events and celebrations.

• Providing training and education for healthcare professionals, educators, and support staff.

• Inviting individuals with lived experience and family carers to share their stories.

• Promoting supportive, non-judgemental conversations about alcohol use during pregnancy and available support services.

  
  

Everyone Plays a Part

This year's awareness messages emphasise that preventing alcohol-exposed pregnancies and supporting people living with FASD is a shared responsibility. Families, schools, workplaces, healthcare services, community groups, and policymakers all have a role to play in creating informed and supportive communities.

As we mark FASD Awareness Month this September and International FASD Day on 9 September, let us take the opportunity to learn, start conversations, challenge misconceptions, and support those affected by FASD. Greater awareness leads to better prevention, earlier identification, improved support, and brighter futures for individuals and families.

This blog was written by Dr Giulia Pagnotta, North West Regional Operational Lead, Clinical Psychologist at bMindful Psychology.

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You can find out more about FASD through the FASD UK Alliance website.

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