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FASD Diagnostic Assessment

The Koru Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Team provides FASD diagnosis and support to children, families, and professionals. The team adheres to a diagnostic system that is based on rigorous criteria and guidelines for its use, which are recognized as gold standards in FASD diagnosis. Our diagnostic system draws on expertise from:

“Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Guideline for Diagnosis across the Lifespan.” – (Cook, Green, Lilley, Anderson, Baldwin, Chudley, Conry, Loock et al. Canadian Medical www.cmaj.ca
“Australian Guide to the diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder(FASD)” – (Bower C, Elliott EJ 2016, on behalf of the Steering Group. Report to the Australian Government Department of Health) and file: Australian-guide-to-the-diagnosis-of-fasd_all-appendices
“The 4-Digit Diagnostic Code” – (3rded., Astley, 2004) which is internationally recognized as the gold standard academic.oup.com

A comprehensive assessment across 10 brain domains is conducted by Koru’s Multidisciplinary Diagnostic Team.

The results of the FASD Diagnostic Assessment are presented in such a way that is understandable, and any questions are answered during the feedback session.

1. Nervous System (neuroanatomy/ neurophysiology)

Brain and nervous system’s structure and function;

2. Cognition

Thinking, information sensory processing, and learning;

3. Language

Comprehension, receptive and expressive language, processing speed, and following instructions or requests;

4. Academic

Academic Achievement

5. Memory

Storage and retrieval; can also be affected indirectly by attention deficits, mood regulation and sleep difficulties associated with FASD; can affect how memories are formed and stored;

6. Adaptive behaviour, social skills, or social communication

Interpreting social cues and other’s intentions, social communication, informed decision making and developing social relationships;

7. Executive Functioning

Planning, organising, and prioritising; understanding cause and effect; time management; abstract concepts; impulse control; applying meaning to perceived threats; and hyperactivity;

8. Focus and Attention

Concentration and tuning out distraction.

9. Affect Regulation

Mood, ability to cope, managing emotions and outbursts and ability to regulate emotions;

10. Motor Skills

Balance, Coordination, Body Awareness, Physical Strength, Reaction time, Dexterity.

What can you expect following the diagnosis?

The diagnosis allows professionals and families to develop strategies that improve the education and health outcomes for the person with a FASD.

Screening for prenatal alcohol exposure and a possible FASD diagnosis can help families, professionals and clients to access the services and support needed.

A diagnosis can provide greater understanding and acceptance. It can lead to more realistic educational expectations and contribute to positive long-term outcomes.

An accurate diagnosis:

Guides interventions,
Informs prognosis,
Prevents secondary disabilities,
Provides accurate prevalence data,
Guides access to services and allocation of resources.

Can anyone be referred?

Koru assesses and provides intervention for children and adults. With confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure, all children and adults can be referred or self refer.