Many of these concerns have only become apparent after children began primary school, when differences in learning, behaviour, and emotional regulation start to emerge.

According to the Health Service Executive (HSE) in 2022, one in ten babies born in Ireland is estimated to have a form of FASD, making it the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disability in the country. Following the Covid-19 lockdowns, patterns of alcohol consumption changed significantly as home drinking became more normalised. During the same period, births in Ireland rose for the first time in several years, reaching over 57,000 births in 2022 according to the Central Statistics Office.

The HSE now estimates that up to 7.4% of the population in Ireland may be living with FASD.

Tristan Casson-Rennie, CEO of FASD Ireland, said the organisation is now beginning to see the expected increase in families seeking support as affected children reach school age.

“The symptoms of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder often begin to become visible from around the age of five and can be fully recognisable by the time a child reaches ten,” said Casson-Rennie. “What we are seeing now are parents who know something is not quite right for their child but are struggling to find information, diagnosis, and support.”

FASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. No amount is safe for a woman to drink at any stage of pregnancy. Emerging research also highlights the role of paternal alcohol consumption prior to conception.

Recent research led by Professor Michael Goulding at Texas A&M University (2025) has found that alcohol consumption by a father in the 64 days prior to conception can cause epigenetic changes in sperm. These changes may influence the developing embryo and have been associated with:

·       Increased anxiety and ADHD-type behaviours

·       FASD-like growth defects including reduced bodyweight

·       Cranial abnormalities and structural brain changes

The research also suggests that paternal alcohol exposure may predispose children later in life to cardiovascular, renal, inflammatory, or diabetic conditions after the age of 40.

FASD Ireland says these findings reinforce the importance of public awareness about alcohol and reproductive health for both parents.

“Ireland has one of the highest estimated prevalence rates of FASD in the world, yet public awareness and diagnostic capacity remain extremely limited,” Casson-Rennie added. “Families are reaching out because they want answers and support. Early recognition and intervention can make a profound difference in a child’s life.”

As children born during the pandemic years begin primary education, FASD Ireland expects more families and schools to come forward seeking help and guidance.

FASD Ireland is calling for:



·       Increased national awareness campaigns about the risks of alcohol and conception/pregnancy for both parents

·       Improved assessment and diagnostic pathways for children

·       Training for teachers and healthcare professionals about FASD

·       Sustainable funding for services supporting families affected by FASD

Families and Schools concerned about FASD can contact FASD Hub Ireland, the national information and support service:

📞 FASD Hub Ireland: 065 670 3098
🌐 Website: www.fasdireland.ie

Media Contact:
FASD Ireland
Email: scott@fasdireland.ie
Phone: 065 670 3096