The Northern Territory's first diagnostic centre for foetal alcohol spectrum disorder has opened in Central Australia — where paediatricians estimate one in five children could suffer from the disorder.

Key points: It is estimated more than 500,000 Australians have FASD but it is often not diagnosed

It is estimated more than 500,000 Australians have FASD but it is often not diagnosed The new centre aims to diagnose children early so they can get listed on the NDIS

The new centre aims to diagnose children early so they can get listed on the NDIS Early diagnosis could also help keep those with the disorder out of prison

The centre, launched by the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (CAAC), will use the first commonly adapted diagnostic tool to ensure early diagnosis of the disorder.

It will also offer a team of paediatricians, psychologists and other health professionals like speech pathologists to help asses at-risk children.

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an impairment to the brain caused by mothers consuming alcohol while pregnant.

It causes severe developmental delays, disability, learning difficulties, memory impairment and behavioural problems.

Known as the invisible disability, people with FASD can often go undiagnosed and untreated.

Yet it is estimated more than 500,000 people have FASD in Australia.

Congress child and family services senior manager Dawn Ross said the centre would help ensure those impacted were diagnosed early and services would be immediately available.

"Many children are presenting with [developmental] delays and Congress felt that it was important to not only do full health checks, but that wraparound services and support was given for children," Ms Ross said.

"Every parent wants to know if there's a delay that there's a service out there that's going to be provided for them."

CAAC child and family services senior manager Dawn Ross has welcomed the new centre. ( ABC News: Nick Hose )

Diagnosis could keep children out of prison

Dr James Fitzpatrick, a paediatrician and researcher working with children who have FASD, said 36 per cent of people in juvenile detention in Western Australia had the disorder.

Not only would early diagnosis help get children listed on the National Disability Insurance Scheme and accessing support, he believed it could help lower prison rates.

Drug and Alcohol Services Australia chief executive Carol Taylor agreed, saying a lot of the youth problems in Alice Springs stemmed from intellectual impairment, and "throwing them in prison won't solve the problem".

Drug and Alcohol Services Australia chief executive Carol Taylor said the centre would see huge demand. ( ABC News: Nick Hose )

Disorder is a 'threat to culture'

While Ms Taylor welcomed the new centre opening, she warned that demand would be huge, particularly from Indigenous residents.

"We do have a lot of babies that come into DASA, they're almost all Aboriginal kids," Ms Taylor said.

For this reason, Dr Fitzpatrick indicated that reducing the impacts of the disorder could also help preserve Indigenous culture.

"[FASD] is a threat to the very culture that needs to be passed on through stories, song and tradition," he said.