What is it like for siblings who have a brother or sister with FASD?

Siblings who have a brother or sister with FASD often care about them a lot and can have fun together. Siblings also say that life at home can sometimes feel confusing or unfair.

They may feel that their brother or sister needs extra help and attention from parents, which can make them feel left out. Children with FASD can sometimes become upset, frustrated, or overwhelmed, which may make siblings feel worried or unsure about what might happen next.

Siblings also say that their brother or sister may forget rules, break things by accident, or struggle to understand what is expected of them. This can be hard for everyone in the family.

What causes FASD?

FASD happens before a baby is born.  If alcohol reaches a baby while they are growing in their mum’s tummy, it can affect how their brain and body develop.  People with FASD are born with it. It is not something they choose, and it is not their fault.

What does it mean?

FASD affects how the brain works.
People with FASD may find some things harder than other children.

This may mean they:

• Find it hard to remember things
• Get distracted easily
• Need extra help with learning
• Find it difficult to understand rules
• Struggle with emotions or friendships
• Feel overwhelmed by noise, change, or busy places

Most people find these things difficult sometimes, but someone with FASD finds them difficult much more often, and they cannot help it.

What help is there?

There is no cure for FASD, but there are lots of things that can help. These include:

• Keeping to a clear routine
• Giving simple instructions, one step at a time
• Using reminders and visual supports
• Giving lots of praise and encouragement
• Being patient and understanding

With the right help and support, people with FASD can learn, grow, and do well at the things they enjoy.

This has been read and approved for publication by the National Organisation For FASD, January 2026 and will be reviewed and updated every 2 years.