Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the incidence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

The Government recognises that foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) can have a significant impact on the early years of development for children. The UK Chief Medical Officer advises that women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy should not drink alcohol.

Evidence on the prevalence of FASD is limited. Estimates based on individual local studies range between 18 and 170 cases per 1,000.

While there is no specific treatment for FASD, early diagnosis and appropriate support can make an important difference. It is the responsibility of integrated care boards in England to make appropriate provision to meet the health and care needs of their local population, including treatment pathways and support for FASD in line with relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidelines.

The Department asked NICE to produce a Quality Standard in England for FASD to help providers and commissioners improve both diagnosis and support for people affected by FASD.

This includes guidance on individualised management plans, which help to coordinate care across a range of healthcare professionals, as well as education and social services, and improve outcomes.

The Quality Standard also covers support during pregnancy to improve awareness and prevent the disorder.

The Government is developing a new cross-Government mental health strategy for England, to be published later this year. The strategy will take a broad approach to improving mental health and wellbeing, rather than focusing on individual conditions.

No working groups currently exist within the Department for the consideration of FASD. No estimate has been made of the cost to the taxpayer of support for people suffering from FASD.