Families and caregivers of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder are welcoming an announcement from the Health Minister that for the first time ever, the prevalence of the neurodisability is to be measured.
FASD is caused by drinking during pregnancy, and an estimated 1800 and 3000 babies are born with the disorder, but no hard data exists.
Health Minister Shane Reti acknowledges FASD has been under-recognised and under-supported, and says understanding how many people are affected is a first step.
He's also announced alcohol levy money will be used to boost education for professionals about FASD.
Dr Leigh Henderson is the chair of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Care Action Network and mother of a son diagnosed with FASD when he was a teenager.