Your guide to support and information

Navigating your own health conditions while also advocating for your children can feel overwhelming. This page is dedicated to providing you with the resources and knowledge I wished I had when I first started this journey. You are not alone.

What is Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder?

Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD) is a condition caused by exposure to sodium valproate during pregnancy. Sodium valproate is a medication used to treat conditions such as epilepsy and bipolar disorder, but it can affect a baby’s development in the womb. People with FVSD may experience a wide range of physical, developmental, learning, and behavioural difficulties, including ADHD, autism, speech and language delays, memory problems, and congenital disabilities. The effects can vary from mild to severe, and every individual and family affected by FVSD will have different experiences and support needs

Known conditions associated with FVSD 

Conditions and diagnoses that have been reported in association with Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD) include:

Neurodevelopmental and Cognitive Conditions

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
  • Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
  • Intellectual Disability (ID)
  • Developmental Coordination Disorder (Dyspraxia)
  • Dyslexia
  • Dyscalculia
  • Speech and Language Disorder
  • Social Communication Disorder
  • Executive Function Disorder
  • Sensory Processing Disorder
  • Auditory Processing Difficulties
  • Learning Disabilities

Neurological Conditions

  • Epilepsy
  • Generalised Seizure Disorders
  • Absence Seizures
  • Febrile Seizures
  • Hypotonia
  • Essential Tremor
  • Coordination and Balance Disorders
  • Migraines
  • Chronic Fatigue Symptoms

Behavioural and Mental Health Conditions

  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression
  • Emotional Dysregulation
  • Obsessive Compulsive Traits
  • Oppositional Behaviour
  • Aggression and Impulse Control Difficulties
  • Sleep Disorders and Insomnia

Congenital and Physical Conditions

  • Spina Bifida
  • Neural Tube Defects
  • Congenital Heart Defects
  • Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
  • Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD)
  • Cleft Palate
  • Cleft Lip
  • Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD)
  • Joint Hypermobility
  • Scoliosis
  • Limb Differences
  • Club Foot (Talipes)
  • Craniofacial Differences

Gastrointestinal and Feeding Conditions

  • Gastro-oesophageal Reflux Disease (GORD/GERD)
  • Feeding Difficulties
  • Chronic Vomiting
  • Failure to Thrive
  • Constipation and Bowel Dysmotility
  • Hiatus Hernia

Endocrine and Metabolic Conditions

  • Hypoglycaemia
  • Hormonal and Endocrine Disorders
  • Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Weight Regulation Difficulties

Eye, Vision, and Hearing Conditions

  • Strabismus (Squint)
  • Refractive Vision Problems
  • Hearing Loss
  • Recurrent Ear Infections

Immune and General Health Issues

  • Recurrent Infections
  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Chronic Pain Syndromes

Not every individual with FVSD will develop these conditions, and some associations are more strongly evidenced in medical literature than others. FVSD affects each person differently, and symptoms can range from mild to severe.

Resources & Support

 

  • Here is a simple resource list of charities, support organisations, and trusted websites connected to conditions commonly associated with Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD).

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

ADHD

Dyspraxia / Developmental Coordination Disorder

Dyslexia

Intellectual Disability / Learning Disability

Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders

Developmental Delay and Rare Genetic Disorders

Hypermobility / Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes

Spina Bifida and Neural Tube Defects

Congenital Heart Defects

Cleft Lip and Palate

Speech and Language Difficulties

Hearing Impairment

Vision and Eye Conditions

Gastrointestinal Conditions / GORD / Feeding Difficulties

Asthma and Allergies

Mental Health and Emotional Support

Family and Carer Support

Neurodiversity and Hidden Disabilities

Neurological Brain Conditions in Children 


These organisations provide information, advocacy, diagnosis support, education guidance, peer support groups, and help for families navigating long-term care needs.

Support the FVSD campaign for justice for the families. 

INFACT (The Independent Fetal Anti-Convulsant Trust) is a UK charity and national campaign organisation that supports individuals and families affected by sodium valproate and other anti-epileptic medications taken during pregnancy. The organisation provides information, advocacy, peer support, education guidance, and help for families navigating diagnoses such as Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder and other fetal anti-convulsant syndromes.  

INFACT was founded by Emma Murphy and Janet Williams after their own children were affected by sodium valproate exposure in pregnancy. Since 2012, the charity has campaigned for greater public awareness, better healthcare support, improved safety warnings, and compensation for affected families.  

The charity has played a significant role in the UK sodium valproate campaign, contributing evidence to major government reviews including the Cumberlege Review and later discussions around compensation and redress for affected families.  

INFACT also:

  • Helps families seek diagnosis and support
  • Provides educational resources for parents, carers, and professionals
  • Campaigns for patient safety and informed consent
  • Raises awareness of the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to anti-epileptic medications
  • Connects families through online communities, helplines, and community events  

The charity is registered in England and Wales as the Independent Fetal Anti-Convulsant Trust (Charity No. 1162441).  

Fetal Valproate Spectrum Disorder (FVSD) is a condition caused by exposure to sodium valproate during pregnancy. Sodium valproate is a medication used to treat conditions such as epilepsy and bipolar disorder, but it can affect a baby’s development in the womb. People with FVSD may experience a wide range of physical, developmental, learning, and behavioural difficulties, including ADHD, autism, speech and language delays, memory problems, and congenital disabilities. The effects can vary from mild to severe, and every individual and family affected by FVSD will have different experiences and support needs.