Expansion of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Assessment and Diagnostic Services in Southern Queensland 

Since 2022, we have worked alongside communities and service providers across Southern Queensland to improve access to neurodevelopmental assessment services for children and young people. Through long-term partnerships, collaboration, and community-led co-design, we support the development of sustainable, locally delivered models of care that consider Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) as one possible outcome within a comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment process. 

Project Aim and Values 

Our aim is to reduce wait times for neurodevelopmental assessments across urban, regional, and rural communities by strengthening the capacity of existing services and systems. Rather than creating new services, we work with communities to build on local strengths, priorities, and expertise. 

Our approach is guided by: 

• Community-led decision making and co-design  
• Culturally responsive and locally tailored solutions 
• Long-term, collaborative relationships 
• Local capacity building and workforce development 
• Sustainable models of care embedded within existing services and stakeholder networks 

Partners 

We work closely with a range of community, health, education, and youth service partners, including: 

• The Murri School 
• Southern Queensland Centre of Excellence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health 
• Cherbourg Community Health 
• Brisbane Youth Detention Centre 
• Carbal Medical Services – Outreach Health Support Services 

Together, we are developing locally relevant approaches to neurodevelopmental assessment that reflect community priorities and support long-term sustainability. 

Capacity Building in the Community 

A key focus of the project is supporting communities and services to build their own capability to deliver high-quality neurodevelopmental assessment services. 

Our activities include: 

• Training in FASD-informed neurodevelopmental assessment 
• Practitioner mentorship, coaching, and clinical shadowing 
• Supporting assessment delivery through our UQ Allied Health team while partner sites develop local capacity 
• Developing culturally appropriate and locally tailored resources 
• Supporting local service delivery through strengthening collaboration between key regional stakeholders across health, education, and community services 
• Building regional stakeholder capability through training 

By strengthening existing services, fostering collaboration, and addressing local service gaps through community partnerships, we are supporting sustainable pathways to FASD informed neurodevelopmental assessment and care across Southern Queensland.  

This project is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Aging.