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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are a major public health problem worldwide: alcohol consumption during pregnancy is one of the leading non-genetic and potentially preventable causes of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and lack of social integration.
In France, for example, it is estimated that nearly 5,000 children are born each year with brain damage due to prenatal alcohol exposure. Rarely screened and then underdiagnosed, these particularly vulnerable children will face disabilities both at school and in everyday life. In adulthood, around 500,000 people are affected to varying degrees. Most of them are unaware of the cause of their troubles and do not receive any specific support, with considerable individual and collective human costs.
However, early detection, diagnosis, and appropriate support starting in early childhood can make a difference and enable each of these people to develop their full potential for a better integration and participation in society.
Awareness of FASD is poor among the general public and even among healthcare professionals, who need an improved training on the subject. Furthermore, fundamental and clinical research is essential to bring about change in FASD and other NDDs: but here again, investment is not in line with the challenges.
In this context, the EUFASD 2026 Conference is an exceptional opportunity at the European level to highlight the issue of FASD and to support objectives aiming at structuring the community of associations, healthcare and support professionals, as well as researchers.
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