Fetal alcohol syndrome guidelines on way

Hallmark physical features such as a thin upper lip and stunted growth should form the backbone of Australia’s diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol syndrome, experts say.

The criteria were chosen by clear consensus among more than 70 experts in the field — a key first step towards filling the void of standardised, locally tailored diagnostic guidelines.

Professor Elizabeth Elliott, a University of Sydney paediatrician working on the project, said the lack of a