FASD Assessments in Brisbane That Start with Understanding

We understand that no two experiences with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are the same. That’s why our FASD assessments in Brisbane begin with a one-hour consultation — a relaxed, supportive conversation designed to explore your unique strengths, challenges, and personal goals.

This first step allows us to tailor the assessment process to your needs, answer your questions, and create a clear pathway forward. Whether you’re booking for yourself or someone you care about, we’re here to help you find clarity, support, and direction.

Let’s chat, clarify your path, and give you the direction you need.

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Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) can affect various aspects of a child’s development, including cognition, language, learning, behaviour, and social interactions. At Psychological Assessments, we provide comprehensive evaluations to identify FASD and help families access the support they need to thrive.

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?

FASD is a neurodevelopmental condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. It can result in a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioural challenges that vary in severity.

In other words, Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) can happen when a developing baby is exposed to alcohol while in the womb.

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it can affect the baby’s growth and development, especially their brain. As a result, individuals with FASDs might face particular challenges as they grow up.

FASD includes conditions such as:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorder associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE)
  • Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)
  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

What are the Symptoms, Challenges and Behaviours of FASD?

  • Delayed developmental milestones.
  • Difficulty with attention and memory.
  • Challenges in regulating emotions and behaviour.
  • Social difficulties, including trouble understanding social cues.
  • Learning disabilities, particularly in math, reading, and problem-solving.
  • Physical signs, such as distinct facial features or growth deficiencies (in some cases).

How is FASD Diagnosed?

FASD is typically diagnosed using a multidisciplinary team (psychologist, paediatrician, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, etc.).

Diagnosing FASD involves a multidisciplinary approach that evaluates several key areas, including:

  • Medical History: Confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure and health history.
  • Developmental Assessments: Evaluating cognitive, motor, and social development.
  • Behavioural Observations: Understanding behaviour patterns, emotional regulation, and social interactions.
  • Physical Examination: Assessing for growth delays or physical features associated with FASD. At Psychological Assessments, we coordinate with other healthcare providers to ensure a thorough and accurate diagnosis.

When diagnosing FASD, the following factors will also be considered:

  • Severe impairment in 3 or more neurodevelopmental domains
    • Brain Structure
    • Motor Skills
    • Cognition (IQ)
    • Language
    • Academic Achievement
    • Memory
    • Attention
    • Executive Functioning, including impulse control and hyperactivity
    • Affect Regulation
    • Adaptive Functioning, Social Skills, and Social Communication.
  • Have three or fewer than three sentinel facial features (assessed by a doctor).

Self-Assessment: Take the quiz

The questions below offer a starting point for helping you identify if you may have ADHD and whether an assessment would be helpful. It is essential to realise that this test is not diagnostic and will not deliver a diagnosis. It is a tool to help you start your investigative journey by helping you identify possible symptoms. As other conditions can sometimes resemble ADHD, it is important to get properly assessed by a professional.

Welcome to your Self-Assessment: Take the quiz

Do you (or your loved one) struggle to pay attention to tasks or activities?

Do you often forget daily activities or things you need to do?

Is being on time consistently a problem?

Is there trouble thinking things through before making decisions?

Is there a lot of fidgeting or difficulty staying still?

Is talking a lot or being unable to do quiet activities an issue?

Are organising tasks and planning activities difficult? Does it become too overwhelming when too much is going on, and you don’t know where to even start?

Do small, overlooked details often lead to mistakes?

Is sitting still for expected periods a challenge? Does moving around, pacing, or fidgeting with things make it easier?

Are you or your loved one easily sidetracked?

Why Get Assessed for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

Child Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder assessments are designed to evaluate the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on cognitive, behavioural, and physical development. These assessments typically involve comprehensive evaluations using standardised tests, clinical interviews, and observations to understand your child’s unique learning profile

Our comprehensive child Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder assessments provide a clear understanding of your child’s challenges and strengths. Timely diagnosis and intervention can significantly improve outcomes, helping your child to better manage and overcome developmental challenges. Gain valuable insights that guide decisions about educational accommodations, therapies, and ongoing support for your child.

Gain Clarity

Identify the challenges related to prenatal alcohol exposure.

Access to Support

Use the results to access educational support, therapy, or NDIS funding.

Empowerment

Develop personalised strategies to improve learning, behaviour, and social skills.
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Making Assessments As Easy As 1-2-3

We believe in making the assessment process as straightforward and supportive as possible. We’ve been on your side, either for ourselves, a loved one, or through work, and we want to make sure this part of the journey is as easy as possible and that the information you receive along the way is easy to understand and implement—as easy as 1-2-3!

01
Get in contact through our website or book an initial consultation with our psychologist, and we can chat about whether an assessment is right for you and, if so, which one(s).
02
We’ll gather your information and complete the relevant assessments. Assessments typically involve a detailed evaluation process, including clinical interviews and standardised testing to identify individual strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement.
03
We’ll help you understand the assessment’s outcome (delivered as a report), what it/they mean, what strategies and supports are recommended, and what needs to happen next.

Who Should Consider an FASD Assessment?

Children

If your child struggles with attention, learning, or behaviour, and there is known or suspected prenatal alcohol exposure, an assessment can clarify their needs.

Families

Understanding FASD can help caregivers access resources and provide tailored support at home and school.

NDIS Participants

An FASD assessment is often a critical step in accessing or renewing NDIS funding.

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How to Prepare for an Assessment

Here are some tips to help you prepare for the assessment process.

We know an assessment can feel intimidating for children, so we do our best to make them feel at ease. You can help by explaining that they will be participating in different activities, all designed to help us understand how they learn and think—and that there are no right or wrong answers. Bringing a favourite toy or comfort item can also help your child feel more relaxed. Our goal is to make this process as positive as possible, and we are here to answer any questions before the visit.
Preparing in advance is helpful to get the most out of your assessment. Gather relevant documents, such as previous assessments, medical records, or school reports. Reflect on your current concerns and questions—you’ll have the opportunity to discuss these during your appointment. If you need any accommodations or prefer to bring a support person, please let us know in advance to ensure a comfortable experience.

What to Expect During the Assessment Process

Our assessments are designed to be comfortable, supportive, and thorough. We aim to create a calm and comfy atmosphere to make the experience as stress-free as possible. We hope children and adults find a safe, welcoming space to express themselves freely.

We’ll participate in various activities during the assessment to help our team understand cognitive, behavioural, and emotional characteristics.

FASD is typically diagnosed using a multidisciplinary team (psychologist, paediatrician, occupational therapist, speech pathologist, etc.).

FASD assessments typically take 3–4 hours, depending on the complexity of the evaluation.

Why Choose Psychological Assessments?

Client-Centered, Flexible Approach

At Psychological Assessments, we understand that every person’s needs are different. We adapt to your schedule and requirements, offering assessments in-clinic, in-home, or online.

Empathy and Professional Skill

Our highly qualified psychologists combine professional skill with a real-life understanding of our clients' challenges. We take pride in creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment where everyone feels respected and supported.

Clear and Practical Insights

Our assessments go beyond reports—they provide actionable steps that make a real difference. We write in plain English so that everyone involved—from parents to teachers—can understand the recommendations and effectively put them into practice.

Community Engagement

We believe in giving back to our community, advocating for vulnerable groups, and providing accessible services. We also support other professionals through supervision and professional training.

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How Can We Help?

At Psychological Assessments, we provide more than just answers. We offer practical strategies and compassionate guidance to help your child reach their full potential. Whether it’s accessing therapy, supporting learning, or navigating NDIS funding, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact our team today to book an FASD assessment or discuss your child’s needs.

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