In early 2023 FASD-CAN started discussions with us to address knowledge gaps and the need for specific training.
FASD-CAN and Toitu te Waiora are pleased to announce their joint efforts have resulted in NZQA approving the Support a person with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) (Micro-credential) (level 4, credits 10) and the following two skill standards:
The importance of frontline professionals and caregivers being FASD-informed cannot be understated. An understanding of a brain-based approach to supports and interventions is crucial to ensure people with FASD are appropriately accommodated and supported throughout their lives. This can significantly lessen the social investment required for those with FASD in terms of poor mental health, interaction with the justice system and suicide.
Although there are no prevalence data for FASD in New Zealand, based on overseas research and New Zealand’s relatively high levels of consumption of alcohol the Ministry of Health estimates that the prevalence is 3-5% of the population.
(For more information see Manatū Hauora, the Ministry of Health’s website).
This is equivalent to 1800 to 3000 babies born with FASD in Aotearoa every year. These prevalence rates make FASD more common than autism, Down Syndrome, and cerebral palsy, combined.
Despite this significant prevalence rate, people with FASD receive very little support in our systems. FASD is not recognised as a disability in Aotearoa unless there is an accompanying intellectual disability. The IQ range for all on the spectrum is from 20 – 130. Approximately 20% of those diagnosed in New Zealand have an intellectual disability, defined as an IQ below 70. However, IQ is not the only measure of brain function – people affected by FASD can have an ‘average’ or even quite high IQ but are seriously affected by deficits in their adaptive and executive functioning and memory.
People who live with FASD are likely to have involvement in the criminal justice system, poor mental health, greatly increased suicide rate, (substance abuse and addiction) and experience homelessness and social isolation.
FASD-CAN acknowledged and thanked the kaimahi / staff at Toitū te Waiora, who also saw the need to develop bespoke qualification products for this neurodiversity. In doing so they have helped address the misunderstandings, stigma, and many inequities people with FASD and their whānau face every day.
This is an excellent outcome and a very positive example of what can be achieved by multi-disciplinary agencies working together towards a shared goal.
