Hansard

I thank Rona Mackay for once again bringing this important issue to the chamber. It is an issue that does not always get the attention that it deserves, but it affects thousands of people across Scotland.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD, is a lifelong condition that is caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. It is more common than many realise—in fact, research suggests that it may be one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions in the country—yet far too often it goes undiagnosed, misunderstood or unsupported.

It is estimated that up to 5 per cent of people in Scotland are living with FASD, which is, as we heard from Rona Mackay, a lifelong but preventable condition. That is higher than the average prevalence of autism in Scotland, and we talk about autism quite a lot. A study by the University of Glasgow suggests that the prevalence of FASD could be higher than previously thought, with 42 per cent of babies having been exposed to alcohol in pregnancy and 15 per cent showing signs of exposure to frequent high consumption.

Those are not just numbers on a page; they represent lives with real challenges. People who are affected by FASD may face difficulties with memory, attention, behaviour, executive functioning, social judgment and emotional regulation. Many also live with physical health conditions that affect their heart, kidneys, eyes or hearing. Without timely support, people with FASD are at a higher risk of secondary harms, including, as we heard, mental health problems, addiction, involvement with the justice system and even premature mortality.

However, I make it clear that FASD is preventable. It is entirely caused by alcohol exposure in the womb, yet many expectant mothers do not know the full risk. In the UK, more than a quarter of women are unaware of advice to avoid alcohol during pregnancy. As we heard, that is the only way to stop FASD, and we need to encourage and educate younger women in that regard. Like Rona Mackay, when I had my baby, I was told, “Cut down—go and get a wee half of Guinness for your iron,” or something like that. However, we now know that the only way to stop FASD is to say to women that it should be “No” from the start.

I also want to highlight that FASD is often invisible. More than 90 per cent of people with FASD show no facial abnormalities, which means that diagnosis may rely on understanding brain function, behaviour and history. Many people go through life undiagnosed or misunderstood, or misdiagnosed with other conditions.

That is why awareness is so important. Awareness helps to prevent new cases by making sure that expectant mothers have clear and accessible information about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Awareness also drives understanding, so that children and adults who are already living with FASD are met with compassion, not judgment, and receive the tailored support that they need to thrive.

To affected individuals, families and carers, I say: you are not alone—your struggles matter, and your voices deserve to be heard. To every health professional, teacher, social worker and MSP, I say that the duty before us is to act with compassion, evidence and urgency.

I know that I am coming to the end of my time, Deputy Presiding Officer. I pay tribute to the campaigners, charities and families who have worked tirelessly to break the silence around FASD. Their voices have been instrumental in driving change and reminding us all that, with the right support, people who are living with FASD can achieve so much.

Today, let us recommit to spreading awareness, supporting families and ensuring that no one who is affected by FASD feels invisible or left behind. Together, we can make sure that Scotland leads the way in tackling the issue with compassion, understanding and action.