# What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

Canonical: https://pinnacleblooms.org/ask/what-is-fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder
Publisher: Pinnacle Blooms Network / Bharath Healthcare Laboratories Private Limited

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term for the lifelong effects on a child's brain and body from alcohol exposure during pregnancy. In ICD-11 it maps to LD2F.00 (fetal alcohol syndrome). Features vary widely and may include growth, milestone, attention, learning, memory and self-regulation difficulties, sometimes with distinctive facial features. It is preventable, and early strengths-based support improves outcomes; diagnosis needs exposure history plus developmental and physical assessment.

*A pattern that begins before birth — yet with early understanding, every child can be supported to thrive.*

## In short
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term for the lifelong effects on a child's brain and body caused by exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. In ICD-11 it sits under **LD2F.00 — Fetal alcohol syndrome**, within developmental anomalies. Because alcohol crosses the placenta and can affect the developing brain, FASD can influence learning, attention, memory, movement, growth and, in some children, facial features — though the pattern varies widely from child to child.

## What it can look like
FASD is a *spectrum*, so no two children are identical. Across early childhood, families and clinicians may notice some combination of: slower growth (before or after birth), feeding and sleep difficulties in infancy, delays in reaching milestones, challenges with attention, memory and self-regulation as the child grows, and difficulty with planning or understanding consequences. Some children show subtle distinctive facial features, but many do not — which is why FASD is often missed without a careful history. Importantly, FASD is **fully preventable** (no alcohol in pregnancy is the safest course), and once present it is **not your fault to manage alone** — structured, strengths-based support changes outcomes. Diagnosis relies on a careful account of pregnancy exposure together with developmental and physical assessment, not on any single sign.

## When to seek a review
If there is a known or possible history of alcohol exposure in pregnancy and you notice delays in milestones, growth concerns, or difficulties with attention, learning or behaviour, arrange a developmental review early. Early support — well before school — gives the developing brain the best chance to build skills and routines.

## The Pinnacle way
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical [AbilityScore®](/ask/what-is-the-abilityscore-and-how-is-it-calculated) and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care, never from an app or form. Our team builds an individualised plan around your child's [Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder](/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder) profile, drawing on [occupational therapy](/occupational-therapy) and structured developmental support shaped to each child's strengths.

## Trusted sources
WHO ICD-11 (developmental anomalies framework); CDC guidance on FASDs and prevention; AAP healthychildren.org on alcohol in pregnancy and child development.

**Next step —** If alcohol exposure in pregnancy is known or possible, book an early developmental review so support can begin as soon as possible.

## Sources
- WHO ICD-11 — developmental anomalies (LD2F.00 fetal alcohol syndrome): https://icd.who.int/
- CDC — Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/
- AAP healthychildren.org — alcohol in pregnancy and child development: https://www.healthychildren.org/