Needs of professionals working with individuals with FASD in Spain

Prenatal alcohol exposure is one of the main preventable causes of developmental disorders and health anomalies in children. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term that encompasses a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioural impairments. Although this condition is gradually attracting greater attention among professionals, knowledge and awareness of its real impact - and of how to intervene effectively - remains limited. This lack of understanding shapes the work of professionals when they must support individuals affected by FASD. The aim of this study is to explore the knowledge that professionals working in Catalonia have about FASD, as well as the difficulties they perceive in carrying out their work with this population. Using an ad hoc questionnaire, responses were obtained from 322 professionals across different sectors. The results indicate limited training among professionals regarding FASD and a widespread sense that there are insufficient services and resources to carry out their work properly. The findings also highlight the need for stronger multidisciplinary coordination. Having previously worked with a person with FASD, and having broader prior professional experience, are both associated with more positive subjective perceptions of professionals' ability to work with this population. Greater training across sectors is required to address the broader challenges associated with FASD, together with the development of services and programmes for prevention, detection, and intervention.