Search results for ‘Subject term:"foetal alcohol syndrome"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 9 of 9
Canadian children and youth in care: the cost of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
- Journal article citation:
- Child and Youth Care Forum, 43(1), 2014, pp.83-96.
- Publisher:
- Springer
Background: A high prevalence of prenatal alcohol exposure has been reported among children in care and thus, the risk of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in this population is high. Objective: The purpose of the current study was to estimate the number of children (0–18 years) in care with FASD and to determine the associated cost by age group, gender, and province/territory in Canada in 2011. Methods: The prevalence of children in care by province/territory was obtained from the Canadian Child Welfare Research Portal, and the number of children in care with FASD for each province/territory was estimated from available epidemiological studies. In order to calculate the total cost per province/territory, the cost per individual per day, by age group, was applied to the respective number of children in care with FASD. Results: The estimated number of children in care with FASD ranged from 2,225 to 7,620, with an annual cost of care ranging from 57.9to198.3 million Canadian dollars (CND). The highest overall cost (29.5to101.1 million CND) was for 11–15 year-olds. Conclusion: The study findings can be used to demonstrate the substantial economic burden that FASD places on the child welfare system. Attention towards the needs of this population and prevention efforts to reduce FASD incidence in Canada, and other countries are urgently needed. (Edited publisher abstract)
Behaviour and adaptive functioning in children and young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: a UK study
- Authors:
- SAKANO Mari, MUKHERJEE Raja, TURK Jeremy
- Journal article citation:
- Advances in Dual Diagnosis, 12(1/2), 2019, pp.62-72.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore the profiles of behaviours and adaptive functioning in the UK children and young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Design/methodology/approach: Data of 106 participants registered from 2005 to 2015 were extracted from a clinic database. In total, 99 individuals with confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), aged from 5 to 25 years, were analysed using scaled scores of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Second Edition (VABS-II), and the Developmental Behaviour Checklist-Primary Carer Version (DBC-P) and Teacher Version (DBC-T). Differences due to age, gender, IQ and family structure (adopted/living with birth parents) were also explored. Findings: The mean composite adaptive behaviour score on the VABS-II was classified as “low” at 68.2 (SD=8.5), with the socialisation domain being the most impaired. Significantly lower VABS-II composite scores were found in individuals with lower IQ’s, older ages and in males. Disruptive behaviours were the most commonly observed on the DBCs, whereas primary carers scored significantly higher than teachers across all subscales. IQ, age and gender were not associated with the total percentile scores of both DBCs. Adoption made no differences compared to living with birth parents. Research limitations/implications: Future studies would replicate these findings in a larger sample size including individuals without PAE and those living with birth parents. Originality/value: This study is the first UK report that examines this issue. (Edited publisher abstract)
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) - its relevance to forensic adolescent services
- Author:
- GRALTON Ernest
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 5(3), 2014, pp.124-137.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: There needs to be an increased recognition of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in services that deal with young people with disruptive and offending behaviour, not just those services that deal with adolescents with a recognised intellectual disability. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach: This is a general review of the current available evidence on FASD and how it is likely to predispose affected young people to have contact with secure mental health services and the criminal justice system. Findings: FASD is likely to have become a more common cause of intellectual disability and behavioural disturbance but the history of significant alcohol exposure in utero if often missed. There is evidence that the hyperactivity is less responsive to psychotropic medication and may represent a different condition to conventional ADHD. However the majority of those affected are in the low normal IQ range. Research limitations/implications: There is so far very limited research in what is likely to be a relatively common disorder with significant costs to criminal justice, mental healthcare and social services. Epidemiological information from the UK is lacking and urgently needed. Practical implications: Professionals who work with mentally disordered young people need to be more aware of FASD and its potential contribution to the problems and disabilities in their population. Social implications: Social workers, foster carers and adoptive parents need to be more aware of FASD and how it can contribute to the breakdown of social care. Originality/value: There is currently no other review of FASD and the implications for criminal justice, secure mental health and social care for young people. (Edited publisher abstract)
FASD strategies not solutions
- Author:
- EDMONTON FETAL ALCOHOL NETWORK
- Publisher:
- Edmonton Fetal Alcohol Network
- Publication year:
- 2004
- Pagination:
- 54p.
- Place of publication:
- Edmonton, AB
This booklet is aimed at carers and care professionals who live and work with children and young people with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and details many strategies for managing behaviours associated with FASD. Eight key mantra and some words to live by head up this booklet, followed by sections entitled environment, structure, support and supervision, and assessment and support. A paradigm shift/misconception chart details how various common behaviours of a child or young person with FASD could be misinterpreted by a carer. Both hyposensitive and hypersensitive dysfunctions are addressed, as are effective discipline, what doesn’t work, choice making, and impulse control. Under communication, both the provision and the seeking of information are discussed. Issues of time, money and ownership are also listed. Techniques such as story telling and calming are illustrated. There is a section on coping with the transition from childhood for adolescents and young people, as well as one regarding caregivers and corrections staff for adolescents within the Criminal Justice System, in Canada. Finally several age specific strategies are listed for behaviours associated with being in a shared living space, eating, sleeping and waking, clothing, self-care, transportation, recreation, relationships and sexuality, and self harming. A glossary and other resources section including a list of on line support addresses conclude this booklet.
Children and young people exposed prenatally to alcohol: a national clinical guideline
- Author:
- SCOTTISH INTERCOLLEGIATE GUIDELINES NETWORK
- Publisher:
- SIGN
- Publication year:
- 2019
- Pagination:
- 57
- Place of publication:
- Edinburgh
This document provides recommendations for practice in Scotland based on best available evidence for the assessment and diagnosis of children and young people affected by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). It includes evidence-based recommendations on measurement of alcohol consumption in pregnancy and consensus-based recommendations on: identification of children at risk of FASD; criteria for diagnosis and use of fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD); the multidisciplinary assessment team; and management and follow up of children and young people affected by PAE. The recommendations will be of interest to individuals involved in the assessment and diagnosis of people at risk of FASD, including social workers. It will also be of interest to people at risk of FASD, their parents and carers, adoptive and fostering services, supportive organisations in the voluntary sector and policy makers. (Edited publisher abstract)
Supporting young people with neurodevelopmental impairment
- Authors:
- HUGHES Nathan, CHITSABESAN Prathiba
- Publisher:
- Centre for Crime and Justice Studies
- Publication year:
- 2015
- Pagination:
- 8
- Place of publication:
- London
Drawing on a range of research, this brief report discusses the over-representation of young people with neurodevelopmental impairment in the youth justice system. This includes young people with learning disabilities; specific learning disorders; communication disorders; attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); autistic spectrum disorders; and foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. It explores factors contributing to the criminalisation of young people with neurodevelopmental conditions, such as misinterpretation of behaviours and the importance of early identification and intervention by professionals and services. The key recommendation of the report is that preventive practice in educational and family settings should be prioritised to prevent youth justice interventions. (Edited publisher abstract)
The challenges of caring for a child with FASD
- Author:
- BROWN Julia
- Journal article citation:
- Adoption and Fostering, 39(3), 2015, pp.247-255.
- Publisher:
- Sage
‘Caring for a child or young person with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is very challenging’ is a statement commonly heard by the parents/carers involved. But why is it so challenging? What are the specific challenges? How does this sentence relate to the family-finding team, to panel considerations, to training for foster carers, to the selection of adopters and to care planning? This article seeks to address some of these issues from the viewpoint of the author’s experience of parenting two children with FASD and also as the Chief Executive of the FASD Trust, a national charity supporting affected children and their families/carers in the UK. (Publisher abstract)
Parenting children affected by foetal alcohol syndrome: a guide for daily living: Ministry for Children and Families edition
- Author:
- GRAEFE Sara
- Publisher:
- Society of Special Needs Adoptive Parents
- Publication year:
- 1999
- Pagination:
- 71p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Vancouver
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) refers to a constellation of physical and mental birth defects that may develop in individuals whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. This publication aims to provide information about this life-long disability to help support carers and other people working with children with FAS. It starts with describing the characteristics and behaviour patterns that may be exhibited by children with FAS. It goes on to offer suggestions for parenting a child with FAS which have been found to be effective for some children. These strategies focus on effective communication and positive parenting. The publication also includes strategies for dealing with specific situations that make up daily living, such as dressing, bedtime, doing laundry, and answering the phone. Sections outlining special considerations for parenting infants and adolescents are provided, as well as a section on the needs of the caregiver. Information is also provided on how to obtain assessments and referrals, and dealing with the diagnosis. Suggestions are provided on how to discuss FAS with the child so that they can understand and face the challenges of their condition. The publication concludes with a list of further information on resources and support available to social workers, foster parents, and parents.
Identifying Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and psychiatric comorbidity for children and youth in care: a community approach to diagnosis and treatment
- Authors:
- PATEL Mitesh, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Children and Youth Services Review, 108, 2020, p.104606.
- Publisher:
- Elsevier
Background: Several challenges exist when making a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and identifying co-morbid psychiatric illness, particularly for children and youth accessing child welfare services. Here, the study describes an integrated three-phase approach to the identification of FASD and psychiatric co-morbidity for children and youth in care, consisting of: (1) completion of a standardised neurobehavioral screening tool by a child protection worker (CPW); (2) assessment by a paediatrician, including facial measurements and; (3) integration of findings in a psychiatric assessment. Main Findings: The majority of participants (14/18, 78%) of youth who were suspected by a CPW and paediatrician of a diagnosis of FASD using the screening tool were determined to have met criteria. A diagnosis was made in all cases where there was confirmed history of prenatal exposure and a majority of these youth were found to have sentinel facial features of FASD. Psychiatric co-morbidity was diagnosed and treatment recommendations made for all children and youth referred. Conclusions: This study supports the utility of an integrated community approach to diagnosing and treating co-morbid psychiatric disorders in FASD by employing existing child protection and physician services in a community setting. Based on these preliminary findings, the study encourages that youth who access formal care systems be screened for FASD by their CPW and are provided with appropriate paediatric and psychiatric assessments to clarify the diagnosis, while also identifying co-morbid psychiatric illness to target appropriate interventions. (Edited publisher abstract)