Intergenerational impacts of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder on Indigenous whānau, hapū, iwi and hapori

Intern

Deb Cole, Unitec Te Pūkenga

Supervisor

Dr Karen Wright, The University of Auckland

Overview

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a collection of lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions caused by exposure to alcohol before birth. There is little Aotearoa specific data on the prevalence of FASD, however, Māori are disproportionately burdened by hazardous alcohol consumption and alcohol related harms, and it is suspected that similar inequities will exist for FASD. The Waitangi Tribunal claim WAI2624 made by Raawiri David Ratuu addresses the inequitable harm from alcohol experienced by Māori, including the failure of the Crown to appropriately address FASD. As part of the Tribunal process, a FASD Advisory Rōpū (Te Kāhui Taurikura) has been established to provide independent, timely and practical insights to Crown agencies working in the health and disability sector. Intergenerational impacts of FASD are described by those with lived experience of FASD. 

This internship presented findings from an Indigenous-led Kaupapa Māori informed scoping review addressing the research question: How do the intergenerational impacts of FASD manifest in Indigenous families and communities?