FASD Ireland has congratulated Clare FM on winning Gold at the 2026 IMRO Radio Awards for The Hidden Disability, a documentary produced in collaboration with the organisation.
The documentary shone a light on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), one of Ireland’s most misunderstood and under recognised disabilities. Through the voices of individuals with lived experience, families, and advocates, the programme explored the lifelong impacts of FASD and the urgent need for greater awareness, understanding and support.
The HSE describes FASD as an often invisible disability associated with lifelong physical, mental, educational, social and behavioural difficulties. Its 2022 position paper estimated that FASD may affect between 2.8% and 7.4% of the Irish population. Many of these individuals are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
The award is a significant achievement for Clare FM and Documentary Producer, Padraic Flaherty, and for the FASD community across Ireland. By bringing the experiences of those with lived experiences to a wider audience, The Hidden Disability helped start important conversations and challenged misconceptions surrounding FASD.
Commenting on the award, FASD Ireland Director of Operations, Scott Casson-Rennie said: “We are incredibly proud to have worked with Padraic and the team at Clare FM on this important project and are thrilled to see The Hidden Disability recognised with Gold at the IMRO Radio Awards.
“The documentary gave a voice to people and families whose experiences are too often unheard and highlighted the realities of living with FASD in Ireland. We congratulate everyone involved in its production and thank them for their commitment to telling these stories with such care, accuracy and compassion.”
The documentary is part of FASD Ireland’s ongoing efforts to increase public understanding of Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and to ensure that people living with FASD, along with their families and carers, receive the recognition, support and services they deserve.
The organisation hopes that this documentary will encourage decision makers to listen to the lived experiences of those with FASD and has called for three priority actions from Government:
To recognise Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) as a neurodevelopmental disability and to provide an assessment pathway for people who are displaying symptoms of FASD, or where evidence of prenatal alcohol exposure is known about.
To provide a lifelong framework of support for people living in Ireland with FASD.
To deliver a national public health campaign educating the public about the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure. This needs to include the risks as a result of paternal (father) alcohol exposure.
FASD Ireland would like to extend their thanks to the individuals and families who shared their personal experiences, and the team at Clare FM for their dedication to producing a documentary that informed, educated and inspired listeners across Ireland.
As awareness of FASD continues to grow, FASD Ireland hopes that recognition of projects such as The Hidden Disability will encourage further discussion, greater understanding, and meaningful action to improve outcomes for those affected by FASD.