Answers That Lead to Better Support
Understanding the whole person, not just the diagnosis.
Who is it for?
A FASD assessment may be appropriate for children, young people or adults where there is known or suspected prenatal alcohol exposure and concerns about development, learning, behaviour or everyday functioning.
People may come to SAL Consulting specifically seeking a FASD assessment, or because they are looking for greater clarity around challenges that have been difficult to understand.
We approach every assessment with care, curiosity and without judgement. Our focus is on understanding each person’s individual strengths, needs and experiences, rather than beginning with assumptions about a diagnosis.
Who performs the assessment?
FASD assessment requires input from professionals across different disciplines. SAL Consulting works with relevant medical practitioners, such as paediatricians, alongside members of our multidisciplinary team. Depending on the individual, this may include psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Practitioners.
How does it work?
The assessment begins by carefully gathering information about prenatal alcohol exposure, which may come from a birth mother, family members or available records. We understand that this can involve sensitive information and approach these conversations respectfully and without judgement.
The person then completes assessments exploring different areas of brain function and everyday life. These may include learning and memory, attention, literacy and numeracy, planning and problem-solving, movement and daily living skills, social skills and emotional regulation.
We use standardised assessment tools, interviews and observation to develop a detailed picture of the person’s strengths and support needs.
As always, we’ll listen properly.
You may come to us with concerns about FASD, or simply because something doesn’t quite make sense yet.
We’ll listen with care, curiosity and respect. Our role is to explore what may be happening without bias or assumptions, and help provide a clearer understanding of the person’s strengths, needs and next steps.
Standardised methodology.
Our assessment and evaluation process follows the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (2025), helping ensure findings are considered against established diagnostic criteria while recognising each person’s individual presentation.
The report.
Each practitioner contributes their area of expertise while working collaboratively as one assessment team. A clinical lead brings these findings together into a comprehensive report, with clear and practical recommendations for the person, their family and the people supporting them.