Search results for ‘Subject term:"foetal alcohol syndrome"’ Sort:
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Exploring the experiences of birth mothers whose children have been diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a qualitative study
- Authors:
- THOMAS Robyn, MUKHERJEE Raja
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 12(1/2), 2019, pp.27-35.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that may occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. There has been little research into the experience of birth mothers of children with FASD and no published work of this kind in the UK. This is in contrast to a number of studies that have been conducted on foster/adoptive parents. In light of the recent publication in the UK of a mixed methods study on adoptive carers, it is timely to conduct research on birth mothers in the UK. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of birth mothers following a diagnosis of FASD in their children. Design/methodology/approach: An interpretive phenomenological analytical approach was used to generate themes from individual semi-structured interviews of five women who are birth mothers of children with FASD. Findings: Four superordinate main themes and various subthemes were identified. To blame or not to blame captures the tension the mothers experience when considering the cause of their child’s condition. Life is a series of battles which describes the struggles the women experience on a crusade with a renewed sense of purpose that captures the process of transformation that occurs, which helps describe the internal and external factors that help the mothers cope. Originality/value: FASD is often described in the literature as being completely preventable with the implication that it is the mother’s fault because they drank alcohol during pregnancy. However, a statement like this fails to portray the complexities of the phenomenon of women drinking during pregnancy. Life is difficult for the women for a number of different reasons, yet a sense of hope is present. The mothers have a renewed sense of purpose to do the best they can for their child and to raise awareness of FASD. Understanding their experiences can help service providers better meet the needs of parents and children affected by FASD. (Edited publisher abstract)
Prenatal exposure to alcohol causes enduring brain damage
- Author:
- PHILLIPS W.A .
- Journal article citation:
- Adoption and Fostering, 39(3), 2015, pp.201-211.
- Publisher:
- Sage
This article summarises recent discoveries showing how prenatal exposure to alcohol affects the structure and function of the brain and of the individual neurons from which it is built. It explains why this weakens the ability to select activities that are appropriate in the context of current circumstances. It also explains why this reduces the ability to suppress habitual, automatic or impulsive responses when they are inappropriate. These effects of alcohol on the brain lead to enduring impairments in cognition, planning and self-control that become more obvious at later stages of child development. The complexities of these processes and the limitations of current knowledge are acknowledged. The article concludes that many of the enduring cognitive, emotional and social impairments associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol are the expected consequences of the effects that such exposure is known to have on the developing brain. (Publisher abstract)
Supporting mother-infant dyads impacted by prenatal substance exposure
- Authors:
- DEUTSCH Stephanie Anne, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 129, 2021, p.106191.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Improving health and well-being of mothers, infants, and children represents a national public health priority, with emphasis placed on understanding how environmental and social determinants (access to quality health care, education, employment, economic opportunities, social support, and resource availability) influence maternal health behaviors and infant-child well-being. Substance use during pregnancy is a predominant maternal-infant health risk; many affected mother-infant dyads also face co-occurring psychosocial adversities, often necessitating social services-based interventions. Best practices to support infants exposed to substances across the medical, mental health, substance use, and social service sectors have historically been affected by heterogeneity of dyad needs, varied stakeholder perspectives, and limited cross-sector resource availability. Recent legislative changes designating a universal, family-centered, non-punitive, and supportive social services-based approach toward affected mother-infant dyads, known as Plans of Safe Care, offer a potential solution to comprehensively address diverse needs. This narrative review discusses current public health-based efforts and novel implementation of federally-funded family support programs, including Plans of Safe Care and Family First legislation, to address the multiple health and psychosocial adversities facing prenatally substance exposed mother-infant dyads. Opportunities for future research, including analysis of the impact of Plans of Safe Care and other policy interventions on dyad health and safety outcomes is explored. (Edited publisher abstract)
Knowledge and opinions of professional groups concerning FASD in the UK
- Author:
- MUKHERJEE Raja A. S.
- Journal article citation:
- Adoption and Fostering, 39(3), 2015, pp.212-224.
- Publisher:
- Sage
While information from other countries suggests varying degrees of knowledge about foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), understanding of the condition among UK health professionals is unclear. This mixed methodology study aims to ascertain the UK picture. It comprised a standardised FASD questionnaire completed by 505 professionals and focus groups using semi-structured interviews. Among those professionals who attended focus groups, five broad themes were identified: lack of knowledge: need for consistent guidance; stigma: need for early intervention; and need for support services. The study highlights a need for training and improved recognition by professionals. Reluctance to diagnose could be due to associated stigma and therefore not merely reflect lack of knowledge. As an avoidable disorder the importance of prevention, as well as early identification of FASD to avert secondary disabilities such as mental health issues, highlights the need for specialist diagnostic and support services. (Publisher abstract)