Australian advocate shares diagnosis to combat stigma around fetal alcohol disorder
Jessica Birch, diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder after years of misdiagnosis, is speaking publicly to help reduce stigma and inform Australians about the condition.
Birch, who spent her twenties bedridden and was dismissed by doctors, finally received a correct diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). She is now part of a national campaign aimed at destigmatizing the disorder and highlighting available support services. Birch hopes her story will prevent others from enduring similar gaslighting and delays in care. FASD is described as a physical and neurodevelopmental condition caused by alcohol exposure before birth. Over one million Australians are estimated to be affected by FASD.
Why it matters
The story highlights the need for better recognition and support for FASD, a condition affecting many Australians.
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