The service is a partnership between the Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) and Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) for children known to the health service’s Child Development Service and local paediatricians.

Child Development Service allied health team leader Carly Hislop said supporting diagnosis for children with FASD is crucial for understanding each child’s individual needs and supporting their access to ongoing services.

“Children with FASD can experience all sorts of challenges, including delays with their physical, emotional, speech, language skills and growth, issues with memory and attention, and learning and behavioural difficulties,” Ms Hislop said.

“A proper diagnosis ensures families have the knowledge to address these issues as the child gets older and assists with access to support systems and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).”

Ms Hislop said there were several myths and misconceptions about the links between alcohol and pregnancy.

“There are a lot of misconceptions surrounding FASD, but it is really important for future parents to know any amount of alcohol, consumed at any point in the pregnancy, can cause FASD,” she said.

“FASD occurs across all demographics who consume alcohol, which is concerning when we know almost 50 per cent of pregnancies in Australia are unplanned.”

Paediatrician and neonatologist Dr Sithambarampillai Sivayoganathan said FASD was an under-diagnosed condition which can lead to long-term difficulties for children, including over prescription of medication and inadequate support.

“It is estimated one in every 13 pregnancies exposed to alcohol will result in a child having FASD and up to 90 per cent of these are at risk of misdiagnosis,” Dr Sivayoganathan said.

“There is a general lack of awareness on how to screen for FASD and often times, there may be no questions asked about the alcohol history of the mother during appointments.

“These children may present with symptoms that mimic learning difficulties or ADHD or other neurodevelopmental disorder and may have a poor response to the stimulant medication. “They are often prescribed medications for these conditions rather than addressing the underlying disability.

“Without a proper diagnosis, there is a gap in understanding what a child won’t do versus what they can’t do.

“Identifying this difference and supporting these children through their schooling goes a long way in improving outcomes for them later in life.”

Dr Sivayoganathan said education was the best tool available for preventing children developing FASD.

“Research shows one of the most significant risk factors for families is that having one child with FASD means you are 70 per cent more likely for your second child diagnosed too,” he said.

“Aside from ongoing education for expecting families about the risk of alcohol, an early diagnosis for a first child means we can link these parents to services that can help prevent reoccurrence.”

NQPHN chief executive officer Robin Whyte said NQPHN was pleased to provide funding for the dedicated service.

“The first 3000 days from conception to 96 months is critical, with alcohol consumption during pregnancy increasing the risk of physical and developmental delays in children who have been exposed,” Ms Whyte said.

“NQPHN recognises the importance of the education, early detection, assessment, and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) to assist in access to timely interventions that improve the lifelong health benefits of children in the area.”

“NQPHN is commissioning maternal and child health services, from pre-conception through to 96 months, that addresses the reduction of smoking and alcohol consumption in the perinatal period, improved nutrition, and an increase in childhood immunisation, infant health checks, and the promotion of maternal attachment through parenting programs.”

Parents can self-refer their child to the child development service through the form available at child, youth and family health service at the Townsville HHS. For referral to a paediatrician, please see your GP.