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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)
What Are FASDs?
FASDs refer to a group of physical conditions, developmental disorders, and birth defects that result from brain injury caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). There is no cure for FASDs, and they are lifelong conditions.
FASD is not a specific term and in itself is not a clinical diagnosis. FASDs have a range of clinical presentations, including, but not limited to:
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Neurocognitive deficits: executive function, intelligence quotient (IQ)/cognition, learning, memory, and visual-spatial impairments
- Self-regulation problems: challenges with sleep, self-soothing, controlling anger, attention span, and impulse control
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Adaptive skills deficits/delays, including social, language, gross/fine motor, and daily living skills
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Birth defects affecting the eyes, heart, kidneys, and bones
There is no known safe amount, no safe time, and no safe type of alcohol to use during pregnancy.
How Common Are FASDs?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is difficult to determine how many children, teens, or adults have an FASD. However, several studies suggest that 1% to 5% of children in grade school in the U.S. might have an FASD. Less than 20% of these children will meet all the criteria for a full diagnosis of FASD.
Consuming alcohol while pregnant is common in the U.S. The AAP reports that 1 in 7 pregnant women report alcohol use in the past 30 days. About 1 in 20 pregnant women report binge drinking (having 4 or more drinks at a time) in the past 30 days.
Comparing statistics on alcohol use during pregnancy, we see some disturbing New Mexico data.
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In the U.S., 8.4% of pregnant women report current alcohol use, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2023 data).
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In New Mexico, 23.4% of pregnant women report first-semester alcohol use, according to FASD United (2023 data).
People who have a substance use disorder are more likely to give birth to children with FASDs. However, most children with FASDs are born to parents who do not have a substance use disorder. A person may consume alcohol before they even know they are pregnant.
NMPS Flyers for Providers and Patients
We've created two FASDs flyers*: one for pediatric healthcare providers, and one for providers to share with patients. Download the flyers by clicking the links below.
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs): What Providers Should Know (digital version with hyperlinks)
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs): What Providers Should Know (printable version without hyperlinks)
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs): Get the Facts (printable/digital, for patients and the general public)
*American Academy of Pediatrics. FASD Virtual Learning Collaborative (Cohort 2). Educational and quality improvement program; May 2026.
AAP Toolkit for Providers
To support families living with FASDs and guide them to appropriate care and resources, the AAP offers an FASDs toolkit for providers. The toolkit includes sections on:
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Screening and assessment
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Diagnosis
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Supervision
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Practice management
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FASD services and supports – including a New-Mexico-specific resource guide
In addition, you'll find:
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Definitions
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FAQs
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Podcasts
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Professional development information
Important Note for Providers
FASDs are not a named condition for Medicaid waivers, and are not a recognized definition for developmental disability in New Mexico. As a result, people living with FASDs are eligible for State of New Mexico services only when they have been diagnosed with a related recognized disorder, such as ADHD.rs, and is not a recognized definition for developmental disability in NM
Resources for Families Living with FASDs
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FASD United – a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people with FASDs and PAE