Experts gather to discuss action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in New Zealand
A national symposium ‘FASD in New Zealand: A Time to Act’ will be held on Friday 5 September at the University of
Auckland’s Tamaki campus. The Symposium is a collaboration between Alcohol Healthwatch and the University’s Centre for
Addiction Research to bring experts from a range of disciplines together to increase awareness of the implications of
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The aim is to seek broad cross-sectoral consensus on a plan of action for
research, policy and prevention and the delivery of care to those affected by FASD in New Zealand.
The Symposium’s keynote speaker is FASD expert Dr Jocelyn Cook who heads up Canada’s largest FASD research network
CanFASD. Dr Cook will be joined by other distinguished speakers including New Zealand’s Commissioner for Children Dr
Russell Wills and Auckland District and Youth Court Judge, Tony FitzGerald.
The Symposium will be followed by a Policy and Research Roundtable on 9 September. The two events bring researchers,
teachers, community care providers, family advocates and policy makers together to advance knowledge and action on FASD.
Christine Rogan, who coordinates the FASD network for Alcohol Healthwatch says FASD is an umbrella term for a range of
physical, cognitive and behavioural impairments caused by alcohol exposure during fetal development.
“Impairments can include growth retardation, facial and other organs malformations but primarily FASD is a serious
neurodevelopmental disorder, which substantially impairs day-to-day functioning and social interactions. These pose
major challenges for individuals with FASD, their families, and treatment providers.”
Ms Rogan says it’s important that everyone involved knows what can be done to improve outcomes for those affected as
well as preventing FASD from happening in the first place.
Dr David Newcombe, senior lecturer in Alcohol and Drug Studies and Associate Director of the Centre for Addiction
Research at the University of Auckland, says FASD is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disabilities in the
developed world, yet remarkably, no reliable data has been gathered on its prevalence in New Zealand.
“Based on overseas studies and our drinking patterns, we could have as many as 3000 babies a year born with FASD. Better
information is vital to develop effective policy and health sector responses to reduce the prevalence and societal
impact of FASD.”
International studies that have identified the prevalence and impact of FASD estimate the lifetime cost of an individual
with FASD can run into the millions. He says New Zealand has no systematic programmes that target this vulnerable
population and there is little research being done.
The events help to mark World FASD Awareness Day, held every year on 9 September to raise awareness of the risk of
drinking during pregnancy and to bring attention to the needs of those born affected by FASD. Symbolic for the nine
months of pregnancy, the ninth day of the ninth month is usually marked by a ‘Moment of Reflection’ at 9.09am across the
different time zones. New Zealand has been the first to mark FASD Awareness Day since its inception 15 years ago.
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