Assessment and diagnosis of FASD is important. Receiving an accurate diagnosis provides understanding for families, improved access to services, and better life outcomes for the individual. Research has found that early diagnosis of FASD is a protective factor, reducing the likelihood that your child will develop secondary conditions in addition to their FASD symptoms. Secondary conditions include difficulties such as poor mental health, trouble at school, trouble with the law and challenges living independently. A medical diagnosis of FASD will help anyone who is working with your child to better understand that their learning and behavioural issues are a symptom of FASD, and this helps when making plans to support your child with the challenges they face.  Your unique child will always be more than their diagnosis. Watch adult with FASD Myles Himmelreich talk about being more than a label.   When children or adults have no visible signs of prenatal alcohol exposure, their problems may be wrongly blamed on poor parenting or on other disorders (for example Oppositional Defiant Disorder, ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder). FASD is a unique and complex disability, meaning the interventions that work best are often specific to FASD. See the FASD Hub’s information on why diagnosis is important.