September is Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) Awareness Month. No safe amount, time or type of alcohol should be drunk when pregnant.

FASD stands for Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It can only be caused by alcohol exposure in pregnancy which can affect the developing brain and body of the baby before they are born. Prevention and Increasing Professional Knowledge and Awareness are at the core of the Sheffield FASD Strategy.

It is now known that there is no safe time, no safe type, no safe amount of alcohol to drink when pregnant.

FASD is a life-long neurodevelopmental condition causing cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. Each person with FASD is affected differently and has both strengths and difficulties. They and their families need support to learn FASD-informed strategies to support them in their daily lives.

To meet the long term aims of the strategy, 4 Strategic Priorities have been identified alongside an action plan.

1. PREVENTION
Reduce Alcohol Exposed Pregnancies in Sheffield through raising public awareness. No Safe Time No Safe Type No Safe Amount - avoid drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

2. INCREASING PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE and AWARENESS
Increase enforcement services and education, health and social care practitioners understanding and confidence in identifying FASD and understanding that it is a lifelong condition.

3. DIAGNOSIS
Increase identification, assessment and diagnosis to ensure the individual and family get the support that they need.

4. SUPPORT
Develop pre and post diagnosis support for individuals and families.

Read more about FASD here: Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership - FASD

Read the Sheffield FASD Strategy here: Sheffield FASD Strategy