FASD focused assessment, therapeutic support, consultation and supervision

Specialist support for children, families and professionals across the UK

The Beacon House FASD Service provides specialist FASD diagnostic assessment, therapy, consultation and supervision for children, young people and families impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

We work with children, teenagers and young adults aged 5–25, offering compassionate, evidence‑based support that recognises the neurodevelopmental, emotional, educational  and relational impact of prenatal alcohol exposure. Our service is designed to meet families and networks where they are, providing timely FASD assessment, practical recommendations and therapeutic FASD support that makes a real difference.

Evidence consistently shows that “early intervention is vital for children born affected by prenatal alcohol exposure…Early diagnosis is associated with more positive life outcomes among those with FASD. Early intervention leads to better child and family outcomes…” (Olson & Montague, 2011*) and we are committed to playing an active role in making this possible.

What Is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) describes a range of lifelong neurodevelopmental and physical differences caused by exposure to alcohol before birth.

FASD is often misunderstood or missed, and children may previously have received other diagnoses (such as autism, ADHD, developmental trauma) without their full neurodevelopmental profile being recognised. A specialist FASD assessment can help families and professionals better understand a child’s needs and identify the most supportive ways forward.

Children and young people with FASD may experience differences in areas such as attention, memory, emotional regulation, sensory processing, learning, social understanding and behaviour.

All people with FASD have their own unique profile of strengths and struggles. At Beacon House we will focus on understanding both, and on using young people’s strengths and interests as a foundation for therapeutic support.

FASD Assessment and Diagnosis (Ages 6–16)

Our specialist FASD diagnostic assessment service is available for children aged 6 to 16.

 

How do I refer for a FASD diagnostic assessment?

Referrals can be made:

Our dedicated FASD administrator, Cathy, will guide you through the next steps, including completion of initial screening questionnaires.

Initial FASD consultation

Following referral and screening, we offer an online initial consultation. This appointment helps us:

  • Understand your child’s history and current needs
  • Consider whether a full diagnostic assessment is appropriate at this time
  • Agree next steps clearly and collaboratively

The initial consultation includes a written summary and plan and costs £330.

For families using ASGSF funding, this stage is included within the overall assessment cost.

What is included in an FASD diagnostic assessment?

Each FASD assessment is carefully tailored to the individual child and family. All FASD diagnostic assessments include:

  • A detailed meeting with parents and caregivers to gather a full developmental history, with a specific focus on the 10 areas of central nervous system development most associated with FASD
  • Careful consideration of prenatal experience, including exposure to alcohol and other substances
  • Consideration of physical, growth and physiological features relevant to FASD
  • Standardised assessments in areas identified as most likely to be impacted
  • Observation and assessment of the child within our therapy space
  • Liaison with key people in the child’s life, particularly current and previous education staff
  • Consideration of the social and emotional context before, during and shortly after pregnancy, including any experiences of adversity

A comprehensive written report and clear recommendations are provided following assessment.

Cost of an FASD diagnostic assessment

As specialist FASD assessments are bespoke, pricing is based on the time required to gather and integrate the necessary information.

  • The total cost for diagnostic assessments funded by families themselves, by local authorities or other agencies will not exceed £2500
  • A confirmed cost will be provided following the initial consultation

For families eligible for Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund (ASGSF) funding, all or most of the assessment cost may be covered using the fund with agreement from the referring Local Authority or Regional Adoption Agency. In these cases, the FASD diagnostic assessment forms part of a broader specialist assessment of the child’s therapeutic needs that also focuses on trauma and attachment.

Therapy for Children and Young People with FASD or related profiles (Ages 6–25)

We offer specialist FASD therapy for children, teenagers and young adults aged 6 to 25.

Can we access therapy at Beacon House if our assessment was completed elsewhere?

Yes. Whether your FASD assessment was completed at Beacon House or by another provider, the report will guide the design of a therapeutic plan that reflects your child’s unique profile and needs.

  • If your assessment was completed at Beacon House, the therapy plan will be agreed during the feedback meeting
  • If your assessment was completed elsewhere, the first step is a specialist consultation with one of our team

Therapy planning consultation (for external assessments)

This FASD consultation phase includes:

  • 1 hour for the therapist to review your child’s assessment report
  • 1 hour meeting with parents/carers (and, if helpful, a school representative)
  • 1 hour to write a written summary and therapy plan, including resources and recommendations

Cost: £495 (for privately funded or non‑ASGSF referrals)

This work can be included within an ASGSF‑funded therapy package with agreement from the referring professional.

Therapies available

Therapeutic FASD support is tailored to the child and family and may include:

  • Specialist sensory and motor‑focused Occupational Therapy
  • FASD-focused Therapeutic Caregiving support
  • DDP (Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy) adapted for families living with FASD
  • Theraplay adapted for FASD
  • Specialist neurodevelopmentally sensitive psychology or psychotherapy, including EMDR where appropriate

Therapy Session Costs

  • ASGSF Funding: At Beacon House, the current ASGSF funding allowance funds 14.5 hours of specialist therapeutic support per financial year (plus a review of the work)
  • Sessions may also be funded privately, by Local Authorities, through EHCP/EOTAS provision or via PPG+ for adopted and care-experienced at £165 per hour

FASD Consultation for Parents and Professionals

FASD Consultation is available to parents and networks of children, teenagers and young adults between the ages of 5 and 25.

Consultation may be helpful when:

  • Families are not yet seeking a full diagnostic assessment but would like some specialist advice and recommendations
  • It’s not the right time for therapy but some form of professional support is needed
  • Specific advice is needed around education, behaviour, emotional regulation or care planning

Who can access consultation?

  • Parents and caregivers
  • Young people aged 13+ with parents/carers
  • Education professionals
  • Social workers and Local Authority professionals
  • Medical professionals
  • Therapeutic professionals working with children and young people with FASD

Consultation structure and costs

Initial 90‑minute consultation (focused on one child)

  • Up to 3 adults from the child’s network may attend
  • Includes a written summary and action plan
  • Cost: £412.50

Ongoing consultations:

  • £165 per hour
  • Typical 90‑minute session: £247.50

 

We are sorry to say that consultation is not within scope of ASGSF funding.

FASD Supervision for Professionals

Working therapeutically with individuals affected by FASD is often complex. Evidence and living experience highlight the importance of specialist training and reflective FASD supervision for professionals in this field.

Beacon House offers:

  • Individual FASD supervision for Practitioner Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Occupational Therapists
  • FASD‑focused group supervision, delivered in blocks of six 90‑minute sessions over six months

Group supervision places will be advertised in Summer 2026 for a September start.

FASD Supervision costs

  • Individual supervision: £135 per hour
  • Group supervision: pricing confirmed at time of booking

For enquiries, email supervision@beaconhouse.org.uk

How to Refer or Enquire

Referrals and enquiries for FASD assessment, therapy, consultation or supervision can be made by:

Our team will guide you through next steps based on your needs.

Who Works in the Beacon House FASD Service?

 

Our FASD service is delivered by a multidisciplinary team with specialist training and experience in neurodevelopmental difference, trauma and attachment.

Dr Kathryn Whyte Clinical Psychologist and FASD Service Lead
Cathy Wilson FASD Administrator
Emma Burrows Integrative Psychotherapist, Senior Therapist for Child & Family Services
Dr Megan Greenway Specialist Child and Educational Psychologist
Dr Hamish Hill Clinical Psychologist
Mel Campbell Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Clare Rader Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist
Dr Helena Willson-Maunders Clinical Psychologist
Ness Southgate Specialist Paediatric Occupational Therapist

*Carmichael Olson, Heather and Montague, Rachel A. An Innovative Look at Early Intervention for Children Affected by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. Prenatal Alcohol Use and FASD: Diagnosis, Assessment, and New Directions in Research and Multimodal Treatment, 2011, 64-107