Ever wonder, what’s new in FASD Research? Below is a look at the last five years.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: The Importance of Adopting a Standard Definition in Canada
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.
The purpose of this article is to describe the state of the evidence on FASD prevention from 2015 – 2021, including the prevalence and influences on alcohol use during pregnancy, interventions at each of the four levels of the Four-Part Model, as well as systemic, destigmatizing, and ethical considerations.
Towards Healthy Outcomes for Individuals with FASD
To help support intervention approaches across the lifespan, the Healthy Outcomes pathways. model has been developed to help support intervention approaches across the lifespan. This model embodies this perspectives and provides us with a roadmap that can help to think carefully and proactively about healthy pathways.
Psychotropic medication treatment of individuals who have experienced prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has lagged behind psychosocial interventions. Multiple psychotropic medications are often prescribed for those diagnosed with a range of neurodevelopmental disabilities and impairments of PAE (neurodevelopmental disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure and/or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder [ND-PAE/FASD]). Despite the diverse comorbid mental disorders, there are no specific guidelines for psychotropic medications for individuals with ND-PAE/FASD. The objective of this work was to generate a treatment algorithm for the use of psychopharmacological agents specifically for individuals with ND-PAE/FASD.
The purpose of this document is to assist those writing and talking about FASD – and the issues related to the disability – to use the same language, statistics, and framing of topics. The intended outcome, over time, will be an improved understanding by the reader/listener with consistent and respectful FASD messaging.
In this cross-sectional study, children with low levels of PAE had lower fractional anisotropy and more behavioral problems compared with a well-matched control group. These results suggest that PAE, even in small amounts, has a measurable effect on brain structure in children.
The Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
FASD is recognized as one of the leading known causes of developmental disability in the western world. Compared with other common disabilities, at an estimated prevalence of 4%, FASD is at least:
- 2.5 times more common than Autism Spectrum Disorder (1.52%)
- 19 times more common than Cerebral Palsy (0.21%)
- 28 times more common than Down Syndrome (0.14%)
- 40 times more common than Tourette’s Syndrome (0.10%)
Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP) in Alberta First Nation Communities Evaluation Report
PCAP is an evidence-based three-year home visitation program aimed at preventing future alcohol- and drug-exposed births.
Moving Towards FASD-Informed Care in Substance Use Treatment
This guide outlines current practices to support individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) who are in treatment for substance use. In this guide we provide consolidated and expanded knowledge regarding appropriate substance use treatment approaches for individuals with FASD. We adopt the perspective that individuals with FASD can benefit from treatment support that is well-suited to their unique neurodevelopmental needs.
Nothing About Us Without Us: Essential Considerations for Collaborative FASD Research
People with lived experience can significantly impact the way FASD research is done with their population.
Current Strategies and Educational Supports for Students with FASD
Evidence shows the need for revised strategies and improved educational supports for students with FASD through all levels of diagnosis, assessment, and intervention planning if positive learning outcomes are desired.
Article: Why Suicide Prevention Support is Crucial for People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) experience a range of biopsychosocial vulnerabilities that can increase the possibility of adverse life outcomes, including a heightened risk of suicidality.