Awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is growing across Australia as communities, clinicians, and educators recognise its lifelong impact. Early identification can make a real difference, opening pathways to tailored support and improving outcomes for children, adults, and families. Yet, in many regional and remote areas, access to trained professionals remains limited.
UWA’s Graduate Certificate in the Diagnosis and Assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is designed to help bridge this gap. Delivered part-time and fully online, the course combines flexible learning with practical clinical experience, equipping health and education professionals with the knowledge and skills to confidently assess and support individuals affected by FASD.
The course is designed for registered psychologists, speech pathologists, social workers, occupational therapists, nurses, doctors, and other health professionals. It provides specialist knowledge in FASD assessment, case coordination, and multidisciplinary practice. The course has a part-time study load, and students can choose to complete it full-time (over one year) or part-time (over two years). It is delivered fully online, allowing professionals to continue working while undertaking their studies.
For alumna Aasta, a speech pathologist working in rural WA, enrolling was a natural next step. “I work in neurodevelopmental assessment, mainly in rural and remote settings, and wanted to expand my skills in FASD. It’s an important condition impacting families in these areas, and we need more rural professionals who are trained and informed.”
Since graduating, Aasta has applied her learning in her region, coordinating assessments for both a child and an adult. “In clinical interviews I’ve felt confident asking about prenatal alcohol exposure in a respectful, supportive way. It’s helped parents understand their child’s needs and opened pathways for further assessment or support.”
This practical impact is echoed by Alexander, a psychiatrist in the Goldfields. “I meet kids whose histories point to alcohol exposure but who keep getting misunderstood. I wanted an evidence-informed approach I could use locally to provide families with clearer guidance.”
Alexander has found the program has helped him structure multidisciplinary assessments more efficiently and work collaboratively with paediatrics, schools, and child protection. “Our reports have become clearer and more actionable for families, rather than just paperwork,” he explains.
The blend of online modules and live tutorials also supports flexible learning while fostering professional community. Child health nurse Alison highlights this aspect: “It’s delivered part-time and fully online, so it was manageable alongside work. The weekly tutorials gave us the option to meet other professionals and discuss case studies, which enhanced my learning.”
Students can also attend a practical clinic at the Robin Winkler Clinic, applying assessment tools in a multidisciplinary setting and engaging directly with families. “Meeting the families and learning from their experiences was exceptional. It consolidated everything I’d learned,” says Aasta.
Graduates leave with a deeper understanding of national diagnostic guidelines, assessment pathways, multidisciplinary reporting, and culturally responsive practice, skills that can inform and strengthen their work with children and families.
Interested in building your FASD knowledge?
For those not yet professionally registered, UWA also offers short FASD-focused micro-credentials that introduce key concepts and practical skills. These flexible online units are suited to educators, support workers, and community professionals, and can also be used as a stepping stone into the Graduate Certificate.
