For Parents & Carers

Before You See the GP

Name: Before You See the GP: FASD Evidence Checklist | FASD Compass
Creator: Dr Inyang Takon

A checklist of what to gather before you ask for an FASD referral, so your GP has what they need.

FASD Compass · fasdcompass.co.uk/gp-checklist/

⬇️ Download PDF

Want to write to your GP first? Use our template letter.

A GP cannot diagnose FASD, but they can refer your child for an assessment. National guidance says a referral should be made when a child has significant difficulties and there is probable alcohol exposure in pregnancy (NICE QS204 Statement 3). This checklist helps you show both.

You do not need everything on this list. Bring what you have. Tick items off as you gather them, then print the page or take it with you on your phone.

1. Alcohol in Pregnancy

📚 This is the most important part. SIGN 156 and NICE QS204 accept these kinds of evidence (SIGN 156, NICE QS204).

🍷What counts as evidence

The birth mother's own account. If this is you, it is fine to say you drank before you knew you were pregnant. Honest information helps your child get the right support.
A report from someone reliable who knew about drinking during the pregnancy, such as a partner, relative or professional.
Maternity or hospital notes that mention alcohol, including any positive blood alcohol tests.
Records of alcohol treatment, or of social, legal or medical problems linked to drinking during the pregnancy.
For adopted, fostered or kinship children: adoption or care records, such as the Child Permanence Report and adoption medical reports. Ask your social worker or adoption agency for copies.

💬If you have no information

That is common, especially in adoption. Tell the GP what you know and what you do not know. Clear photos of your child's face are still useful, because in a small number of children the facial features alone can allow a diagnosis (National FASD).

2. Health Records

📕From birth onwards

Birth details: date of birth, weight, length and head size if you have it
The Red Book (personal child health record), with growth, weight and height
Medical history: illnesses, operations, hearing or vision problems
A list of current medicines
Any genetic tests already done

📷Photos

Clear photos of your child's face at different ages, taken from the front
If you can, include some where they are not smiling, as smiling changes the shape of the eyes and lips

3. School and Other Reports

🏫School and nursery

School reports and any concerns raised by teachers
SEN support plans, individual education plans or an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan)
Records of exclusions, reduced timetables or incidents, if any

📋Earlier assessments

Speech and language therapy reports
Occupational therapy or physiotherapy reports
Educational psychology reports
CAMHS letters, and any diagnosis such as ADHD or autism
Hearing and vision test results

5. At the Appointment

🗣️What to say

You could say: "I would like my child referred for an assessment that considers alcohol exposure in pregnancy as a possible cause of their difficulties, as set out in NICE quality standard QS204."

✅Before you leave

Give the GP the one-page guide for GPs
Ask where the referral will go and how long the wait is likely to be
Ask for a copy of the referral letter
Ask what support can start while you wait, for example through the school SENCO. See While You Wait
Ask for a longer appointment when you book, if your practice offers one
Take a friend or relative for support if that helps you

📞More help

The National FASD diagnosis guide explains the process in more detail, and SIGN has a free leaflet for families on FASD assessment. The National FASD helpline is 0208 458 5951.

Sources: NICE QS204 Statement 3: nice.org.uk/guidance/qs204 · SIGN 156: sign.ac.uk/media/1092/sign156.pdf · National FASD: nationalfasd.org.uk/about-fasd/getting-a-diagnosis · SIGN family leaflet: sign.ac.uk/media/1443/information_on_fasd_assessment.pdf

Last reviewed: November 2026 by Dr Inyang Takon, Consultant Neurodevelopmental Paediatrician. For information only. This page does not replace advice from your own doctor.

Before You See the GP

1. Alcohol in Pregnancy

2. Health Records

3. School and Other Reports

4. Your Notes on Daily Life

5. At the Appointment