Getting an FASD diagnosis in the UK

An FASD diagnosis opens doors to support — and helps everyone around the child understand them better.

The pathway

1. GP — describe the difficulties, ask for paediatric referral
2. Paediatrician or specialist FASD clinic — full developmental assessment
3. Confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure (often the hardest bit — needs honest history)
4. Cognitive, language, motor and adaptive functioning assessment
5. Diagnosis using NICE quality standard

If exposure history is unknown

For adopted or fostered children, exposure history may not be available. NICE recognises this and allows diagnosis with strong clinical features even without confirmed exposure history.

If your GP says "no"

• Ask for a second opinion
• Contact National FASD for specialist clinic information
• Write to the integrated care board about NICE QS204

Useful evidence

• School reports
• Nursery observations
• Adoption/foster records
• Maternity records (if available)
• A diary of difficulties

After diagnosis

• Update school — request EHCP review or new assessment
• Update GP records
• Apply for DLA if not already
• Connect with FASD parent networks

Source: NICE QS204, National FASD.