Search results for ‘Subject term:"foetal alcohol syndrome"’ Sort:
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Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders: not just another pretty face
- Authors:
- RILEY Edward P., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Seen and Heard, 21(4), December 2011, pp.32-50.
- Publisher:
- NAGALRO
- Place of publication:
- Esher
This article presents an in-depth analysis of the effect of alcohol as a substance capable of interfering with the development of a foetus, interfering with normal brain development during pregnancy, resulting in birth defects leading to a diagnosis of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). It analyses the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the brain and behaviour, including brain size, intellectual ability, language and regional brain abnormalities. It also analyses secondary disabilities, including mental health issues and social functioning. In ending, the article argues for the identification of high-risk individuals prior to pregnancy as a preventative measure.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder awareness toolkit
- Author:
- SCOTLAND. Scottish Government. Child and Maternal Health Division
- Publisher:
- Scotland. Scottish Government
- Publication year:
- 2013
- Pagination:
- 23
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the leading known preventable cause of permanent learning disability worldwide and is caused by maternal use of alcohol during pregnancy. Avoiding alcohol during pregnancy and when contemplating pregnancy is the only way to be sure that the baby will not be affected by FASD. Affected children can have a wide range of physical, growth and neurobehavioural problems which affect their everyday lives and limit their independence. Worldwide incidence of FSD is estimated at 9 in 1000 live births. Alcohol consumption in Scotland is high, but recognition of children affected by fetal alcohol harm in the UK is poor, much lower than in other parts of the world. This FASD Awareness Toolkit contains information and tools to help raise awareness of FASD. The toolkit was developed in partnership with Forth Valley Alcohol and Drug Partnership and Dumfries and Galloway Alcohol and Drug Partnership. (Edited publisher abstract)
The effectiveness of a community-based intervention program for women at-risk for giving birth to a child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
- Authors:
- RASMUSSEN Carmen, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Community Mental Health Journal, 48(1), February 2012, pp.12-21.
- Publisher:
- Springer
This study aimed to determine whether the First Steps program (modelled after the Parent–Child Assistance Program) resulted in improved outcomes among women at-risk for giving birth to a child with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). A retrospective analysis of data on 70 participants in the First Steps program was conducted. Clients were high risk and faced many life challenges, including: being on welfare, substance abuse, physical and sexual abuse as children, mental health issues, criminal activity, and unplanned pregnancies. A significant increase in birth control use and decrease in welfare rates from pre- to post-program were found. At program exit, many participants were abstinent from alcohol and/or drugs and the majority did not experience a subsequent pregnancy. Clients also showed significant increases in goals and decreases in needs from pre-to post-program. The First Steps program demonstrated promising outcomes for women at-risk for giving birth to a child with FASD.
State responses to alcohol use and pregnancy: findings from the alcohol policy information system
- Authors:
- DRABBLE Laurie, THOMAS Sue, O'CONNOR Lisa A.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions, 14(2), 2014, pp.191-206.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
This article describes U.S. state policies related to alcohol use during pregnancy, using data from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Alcohol Policy Information System. Specifically, this study examines trends in policies enacted by states over time and types of policies enacted across states in the United States, with a focus on whether laws were supportive or punitive toward women. Findings revealed substantial variability in characteristics of policies (19 primarily supportive, 12 primarily punitive, 12 with a mixed approach, and 8 with no policies). Findings underscore the need to examine possible consequences of policies, especially of punitive policies and “mixed” approaches. (Publisher abstract)
Substance abuse prevention interventions for pregnant women: a synopsis of a need for collaborative work
- Authors:
- MERRITT Racquel, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 21(7), October 2011, pp.858-869.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Substance abuse during pregnancy remains a prominent public health concern in the United States. The legal substance that is abused most frequently by pregnant women is alcohol, which can cause foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). This article discusses the need for evidence-based knowledge regarding prevention strategies that can reduce FASD among pregnant women, arguing the need for continued collaborations between researchers and substance services prevention specialists. Both universal and selective methods are discussed as effective prevention strategies. Universal approaches tend to be advertising methods or campaigns which target the general population. Selective approaches are more agency- and professional-focused which target high-risk groups. The article concludes that, although both methods can be effective, the combination is often more beneficial. Future research should consider a combination of the 2 approaches to maximise the effectiveness of each prevention strategy. A committed collaborative focus between researchers and practitioners on the pregnant substance-abusing population is needed to increase and improve prevention and intervention strategies.
Finding answers, improving outcomes: a case study of the Canada fetal alcohol spectrum disorder research network
- Authors:
- BADRY Dorothy, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 12(1/2), 2019, pp.53-61.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a profile of the Canada fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (CanFASD) research network which is descriptive in nature and profiles the work of the network and its national activities. CanFASD is a unique Canadian, non-governmental organization whose aim is to engage cross-disciplinary research and knowledge translation for stakeholders and partners including communities, policy makers and governments. Design/methodology/approach: A case study approach was undertaken to describe the network whose main focus and purpose is specifically research related to FASD. Findings: The creation of CanFASD has contributed to a strong network of researchers on key topic areas including diagnosis, prevention, intervention, justice and child welfare, with a focus on evidence-based decision making, research and knowledge exchange. A key role of the network is to provide access to research and education on FASD nationally. Research limitations/implications: A case study approach, while descriptive, does not provide the details of specific research projects. Originality/value: CanFASD has had a key role in stimulating meaningful dialogue and research in the field of FASD. The need exists to collaboratively work on a national and international basis in response to the distinct challenges posed by FASD for individuals, families and society. (Edited publisher abstract)
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a social worker's guide for prevention and intervention
- Authors:
- KOTRLA Kimberly, MARTIN Sarah
- Journal article citation:
- Social Work in Mental Health, 7(5), 2009, pp.494-507.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
Alcohol use during pregnancy can lead to a variety of cognitive, emotional and behavioural problems, collectively known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Approximately 40,000 infants affected by FASD are born each year in the United States. Despite warnings on the dangers of drinking while pregnant and the existence of effective screening tools, many women at risk of alcohol misuse during pregnancy fail to be identified. The authors suggest that social workers are uniquely qualified to screen and intervene with this client group. Screening tools and additional resources for social workers practicing in health care settings with women of childbearing age, as well as with families affected by FASD, are discussed.