Below is a very simplified and general explanation of foetal exposure to teratogens. You may experience some or all of these things or your experience may be different. You are welcome to contact us to discuss issues around foetal exposure to teratogens and what we can do to help.

Foetal exposure is exposure during pregnancy and teratogens are any things that have an impact on the development of an embryo or foetus. This can include radiation, maternal infection or conditions, chemicals such as alcohol, and drugs or medications. There are lots of things that women as exposed to during pregnancy that could be teratogens but only a few of them have proven effects on the developing baby. Some effects are physical and some are cognitive. Clinical Psychologists and Neuropsychologists have specialist training and years of experience in working with children, young people and adults who have been affected by teratogens. We also have specialist training and years of experience of working with mothers, father and others affected by foetal exposure to teratogens this includes where there has been accidental exposure to something during pregnancy which has had an effect on the baby or where there are diagnosable conditions such as Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. We also have specialist training and years of experience in working with different family situations where there ae issues of foetal exposure to teratogens such as birth families, foster families, adoptive families and so on. We have found over the years that some people find it easier than others to find and access relevant services around these issues so we want to assure you that you are welcome at Brain Brolly and we will be very understanding of your individual circumstances.

Some people have contacted us for assessment and therapy around emotional coping with issues around foetal exposure to teratogens. Others have contacted us looking for assessment to decide if this is an issue for them or their child. We currently cannot provide diagnostic assessments as while we have extensive experience of doing this in our NHS work, we do not currently have a Paediatrician or Psychiatrist to add their assessment to the multi-disciplinary assessment recommended in professional guidelines for these diagnoses to be made. We are happy to try to help you find these, however, so please do not hesitate to contact us for further advice.