Guidelines to aid healthcare professionals in diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) have been published for Scotland. FASD describes a range of harmful effects to a fetus and baby’s development when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, resulting in brain damage and, in its most severe form, physical issues such as a smaller head and poor growth. The detrimental effects are life-long.

The guidelines, which are the first in the UK to cover this disorder, are published by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), which develops clinical guidelines for Scotland and is part of Healthcare improvement Scotland.

The guideline supports the Scottish Government’s national approach to improving outcomes and supporting the well-being of children and young people by offering the right help at the right time from the right people.