The Fetal Alcohol Advisory, Support & Training Team (FAAST) is funded by Scottish Government with a national remit to provide and facilitate training, consultation and research in order to enhance the capacity, knowledge and confidence of Scotland’s health and social care workforce in their work with those affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

FASD is a significant public health issue for Scotland, with an estimated 1 in 7 babies born at risk of FASD and an estimated prevalence of 3.25-5% which is 3-4 times greater than autism. FASD is a lifelong condition and, without early diagnosis and appropriate support starting in childhood, is associated with secondary disabilities including reduced educational attainment and outcomes, mental health and addiction problems, involvement with the criminal justice system, and premature death from violence, accidents and suicide. Timely intervention can however ameliorate such risks allowing individuals to achieve their full potential.

Figures and facts on the scale and scope of FASD in Scotland, along with guidance on the identification and management of people exposed prenatally to alcohol has been published by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) in CG 156 (SIGN, 2019).