Volume 224 - Issue 3
Australian Guidelines for Assessment and Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Overview of the Development Process and Revised Diagnostic Criteria
Authors: Natasha Reid, Nicole Hewlett, Nicole Hayes, Zachary Munn, Haydn Till, Delyse Hutchinson, James Stewart, Max Naglazas, Andrea Crawford, Raewyn C. Mutch, Carmela F. Pestell, Rowena Friend, Lisa K. Akison, Chelsea Vanderpeet, Prue Walker, Matthew Gullo, Doug Shelton, Elizabeth J. Elliott, Fiona Kay, Katrina Harris, Jayden Logan, Storm Anderson, Natalie R. Kippin, Seema Padencheri, Sophie Harrington, Diana Barnett, Kelly Skorka, Robyn Doney and Philippa Middleton
Correspondence: n.reid1@uq.edu.au
Med J Aust 2026 || doi: 10.5694/mja2.70159
Published online: 8 March 2026
Published online: 8 March 2026
Abstract
Introduction
The Australian Guidelines for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder were released in May 2025. These guidelines, updated from the 2016 Australian Guide, were developed through extensive stakeholder consultation, a comprehensive review of empirical evidence and the application of a novel Grading of Recommendations, Development and Evaluation (GRADE)-based approach for developing evidence-based diagnostic criteria.
Recommendations
The guidelines include 11 GRADE-based recommendations, forming the core of the diagnostic criteria, and 11 lived experience statements, supporting client-centred assessment approaches. The guidelines also feature 40 good practice statements and 18 implementation considerations, tools and tips as practical resources and supports for practitioners.
Changes in Management as a Result of the Guidelines
Key changes in the new guidelines include: A minimum prenatal alcohol exposure threshold for diagnosis to support more precise identification of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD); The assessment of neurodevelopmental impairments and functioning has been refined, including detailed advice for practitioners seeking to identify clinically significant impairments; Inclusion/exclusion of neurodevelopmental domains as part of the assessment; and Revisions to some of the content of the included neurodevelopmental domains. Changes have also been made with attention to the needs of First Nations Australians and people from other culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The guidelines advocate for the use of shared decision-making approaches, promoting collaboration between practitioners, individuals attending for assessment and their support network. Importantly, the guidelines will enable an accessible, holistic and flexible assessment process, supporting timely and accurate assessment and diagnosis of FASD in Australia. The rigorous development process also provides practitioners with confidence in the guidelines, promoting increased uptake of assessment and diagnostic practices, and informing international diagnostic criteria and guidelines.
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