Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one outcome from prenatal alcohol exposure. Social workers are likely to encounter children with the condition, due to the greater likelihood of prenatal alcohol exposure among children in social services settings. This study explores the experiences of social workers in working with children suspected of having FASD and the support offered to social workers, the children and their families. Semi-structured interviews followed by qualitative framework analysis were conducted with seven child and family social workers along with one child protection solicitor who had experience of handling FASD cases. The two main themes that emerged from the data were a lack of knowledge about FASD and the paucity of diagnosis. Lack of knowledge among the social workers was linked to difficulty in managing children suspected to have the condition, feelings of frustration and normalisation of challenging behaviours. The paucity of diagnosis led to an under-emphasis of FASD in assessments, a dearth of specialist services and confusion about its specific effects in contexts of multiple substance misuse and harmful socio-environmental factors. The need for increased FASD awareness within social services and the development of FASD-targeted support for children and families is highlighted. Social workers would benefit from the inclusion of FASD-focused training in their curricula and professional development plans. Improving the diagnostic capacities of health institutions would address the paucity of diagnosis and raise the profile of FASD, especially in the social services setting.

胎儿酒精谱系障碍 (FASD) 是产前酒精暴露的一种结果。社会工作者可能会遇到患有这种疾病的儿童，因为在社会服务环境中，儿童在产前接触酒精的可能性更大。本研究探讨了社会工作者与疑似患有 FASD 的儿童一起工作的经验，以及向社会工作者、儿童及其家人提供的支持。对七名儿童和家庭社会工作者以及一名有处理 FASD 案件经验的儿童保护律师进行了半结构式访谈，然后进行了定性框架分析。数据中出现的两个主要主题是缺乏对 FASD 的了解和缺乏诊断。社会工作者缺乏知识与难以管理疑似患有这种疾病的儿童、感到沮丧和具有挑战性的行为正常化有关。诊断的缺乏导致评估中对 FASD 的重视不足、专家服务的缺乏以及对其在多种物质滥用和有害社会环境因素背景下的具体影响的混淆。强调需要在社会服务中提高 FASD 意识，并为儿童和家庭开发针对 FASD 的支持。社会工作者将受益于在他们的课程和专业发展计划中纳入以 FASD 为重点的培训。提高卫生机构的诊断能力将解决诊断不足的问题并提高 FASD 的知名度，