Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Drinking during pregnancy can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (© Flickr/ Alan Bloom) )

There’s a medical condition that can cause a huge range of problems – for example, brain damage, physical abnormalities of the face and heart, problems with behaviour, vision and the immune system. There is no cure. There is no vaccine. But this condition is completely avoidable – all it takes is for women to stop drinking alcohol while they’re pregnant. It’s called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

The Research File speaks to some of the people who are dealing with FASD: the scientists who are investigating it, the communities who are trying to raise awareness about it and the parents and children who are learning to cope with the consequences in their everyday lives.

Producer: Laura Durnford

Broadcast: December 14, 2001