A new study published by the University of Sydney has revealed that up to one in 28 Australians (3.64 per cent) may live with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a figure that translates to one child in every classroom or two adults on a bus during peak hour.

The research, published in June 2025, identifies fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Australia as the nation’s leading non-genetic, lifelong developmental disability. Yet despite this prevalence, most Australian psychologists, social workers, speech therapists and occupational therapists have not received training to recognise or support people with the condition, contributing to high rates of underdiagnosis.

The Hidden Disability

Alcohol exposure at any point during pregnancy causes FASD, a lifelong physical brain-based disability. The condition often hides, receives misdiagnosis or goes unnoticed altogether, leaving those affected without crucial support.

People with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Australia face unique challenges including difficulties with learning, memory, impulse control, sensory processing and emotional regulation. They are at significantly higher risk of experiencing mental ill health, substance use disorders, physical health problems, school disengagement and involvement with the justice system.

However, with proper diagnosis, appropriate supports and understanding, people with FASD can thrive, according to Sophie Harrington, CEO of the National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (NOFASD).

Prevention Campaigns Show Results

The Every Moment Matters campaign, funded by the Australian Government and delivered by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), launched in 2021 with a clear message: no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.

An evaluation report released in 2025 demonstrated the campaign’s effectiveness, with an estimated 16,554 fewer women drinking alcohol whilst pregnant across the reporting period. The initiative targets both the general public and high-risk groups whilst providing essential training to health professionals.

The Strong Born campaign, led by the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO), complements this work by providing culturally appropriate information to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Updated Guidelines Released

In 2025, the National Health and Medical Research Council approved updated Australian Guidelines for Assessment and Diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Australia. The guidelines support health professionals in assessing and diagnosing people with FASD, incorporating the latest evidence whilst strengthening the voices of people with lived experience and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

The Australian Department of Health and Aged Care has demonstrated commitment to implementing the National FASD Strategic Action Plan. However, significant gaps remain in prevention, diagnosis and care within national alcohol and other drugs strategies.

The Human Cost

Families and adults supported by NOFASD Australia face daily struggles including repeated school suspensions, unmet needs in classrooms and parents who receive unfair judgement for their children’s behaviours. Many report feeling unheard, misunderstood and dismissed by systems that fail to recognise the condition.

“The profound and far-reaching impacts of FASD remain under-recognised,” Harrington notes. “These gaps perpetuate health and disability justice inequalities and systemic disadvantage for individuals and their families.”

With up to one million Australians potentially living with the condition, the scale of unmet need is substantial.

Critical Reforms Needed

Advocates are calling for the Australian Government to continue its commitment to implementing the National FASD Strategic Action Plan in full. Training and strategies for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Australia must be embedded across education, social services, out of home care and justice system reforms.

Key recommendations include universal screening for prenatal alcohol exposure at the earliest stages of pregnancy, continued investment in public awareness campaigns and culturally safe education programmes tailored to at-risk communities.

People with lived and living experience of FASD require targeted, FASD-informed advice and navigational support. Crucially, they must be included in decision-making at both organisational and government levels.

Recognition as a Disability

To ensure equity and inclusion, advocates argue that FASD must be included on the Australian Government’s List of Recognised Disabilities. Without formal recognition, inconsistent access to funding, services and individualised supports throughout people’s lives will continue.

“Australia is at a critical point on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder,” Harrington states. “After decades of advocacy from families, clinicians, researchers and organisations, awareness of the hidden disability is higher than ever in 2025. But despite progress, more education, reform and investment are needed to cement lasting change.”

NOFASD Australia has championed these calls for over 25 years. With growing awareness and evidence, the organisation sees a pivotal opportunity and urgent responsibility to act.

“Through education, policy reform and sustained investment, we can prevent harm before it occurs,” Harrington concludes. “Australia must seize this moment to change the trajectory for the up to one million Australians who live with FASD, and to prevent future generations from experiencing this alcohol-related harm.” (Source: FARE)