Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a review of interventions for prevention and management in Indigenous communities

This resource sheet provides estimates on the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the general and Indigenous populations of Australia, and reviews the local and international evidence on the effectiveness of programs that aim to prevent or alleviate this group of disorders. Introduction This resource sheet defines fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and provides currently available estimates of their prevalence in the overall Australian population and in the Indigenous population. The current recommendation of the National Health and Medical Research Council on the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy is also provided. Where appropriate, comparisons are made with other countries. The resource sheet reviews the Australian and international literature published since 1990 on the effectiveness of programs that aim to prevent fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or to alleviate its effects. Evidence on the effectiveness of Australian and Indigenous specific programs is also assessed, including those programs that have been developed and implemented in partnership with Indigenous Australians

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects can include physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. Often, people with FASDs have a mix of these problems

Assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) represent a range of physical, mental, and behavioral disabilities caused by alcohol use during pregnancy, or prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). FASDs are considered to be one of the leading preventable causes of developmental disability. Despite its high prevalence, FASD is often misdiagnosed or underdiagnosed, making interventions more challenging or delayed. Earlier diagnosis yields greater benefits for affected children, which include a reduction in secondary disabilities such as substance use disorders and learning and cognitive disabilities leading to school failure, and improved life outcomes. Most importantly, diagnosis provides a context for understanding a child’s behavior. When the environment surrounding a child with an FASD opts to focus on the child’s strengths as a means for intervention, there is a greater likelihood of that child achieving success as an adult. Diagnosis of FASD is further beneficial to the extent that it leads to a reduction of future births of children with FASD. This publication was initially developed for use in Spanish-speaking countries of the Americas and is intended to serve as a training workbook for providers of various disciplines to learn about the fundamentals of diagnosing FASD and to apply them to several case scenarios. It also discusses ethical implications of diagnosing FASD to the mother and child. Target audiences include physicians, psychologists, allied health professionals, social workers, and other providers that may encounter individuals affected by FASD. It is ideally used as a supplement for in-person training by experts in the fields of dysmorphology, epidemiology, and neuropsychology.https://digitalcommons.unmc.edu/mmi_books/1000/thumbnail.jp

Maternal nutritional status as a contributing factor for the risk of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Compare nutritional status of 57 South African mothers of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) with 148 mothers of controls

RESEARCH Open Access

Involving consumers and the community in the development of a diagnostic instrument for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in Australi

The continuum of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in a community in South Africa: Prevalence and characteristics in a fifth sample

The prevalence and characteristics of the continuum of diagnoses within fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) were researched in a fifth sample in a South African community

ETHANOL INDUCED NEUROTOXICITY THROUGH DYSREGULATION OF AMPK IN A FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME MODEL

Ethanol consumption during pregnancy is rising in the U.S., including the rate of binge drinking. It is reported around 1 in 27 women engage in binge drinking activities while pregnant. The third trimester is a sensitive period of neuronal growth in which ethanol induced neurotoxicity can cause many harmful effects including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. It has been shown that ethanol decreases the activity of AMPK through increasing lipid peroxidation, both of which are correlated to neurotoxicity. AICAR is a synthetic analog of AMP which significantly increases AMPK activity and may have beneficial effects in an organotypic hippocampal model of third trimester binge drinking. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if pharmacologically increasing the activity of AMPK could reduce the degree of ethanol induced neurotoxicity to provide a potential therapeutic target for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: current issues in awareness, prevention and intervention

This paper reviews the research and current policy surrounding prenatal alcohol exposure and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Alcohol use during pregnancy is linked to a spectrum of adverse fetal outcomes. This spectrum of abnormalities is collectively termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and may include physical, cognitive and/or developmental symptoms. The aim of this paper is to inform practitioners and other professionals working in a range of fields about the implications of FASD for children and their families. Current research on interventions or programs to work with families affected by FASD is also explored. Key messages Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause a range of cognitive and physical abnormalities in embryos that can lead to impairments in a range of functions: sensory systems, language and communication, processing pace, learning and memory, abstract thinking, and executive functioning. Misunderstanding and labelling of those with FASD can lead to a poor self-concept, disrupted peer relationships, fractured educational and placement experiences and contact with youth justice services. The prevalence of FASD is likely to be underestimated by current measures. Certain populations, including children in out-of-home care and children in contact with youth justice services are thought to include an over-representation of individuals living with an undetected FASD. Tackling FASD requires focused and coordinated multidisciplinary and cross sector approaches. More information about the prevalence and nature of FASD will allow for improved service planning and implementation. Policy directions are needed that prioritise the screening and prevention of FASD in the community. Current and future professionals, including those in traditionally adult-focused services, need awareness and knowledge about the significance of FASD and prenatal alcohol exposure on children\u27s lives