Children and Youth With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Summary of Intervention Recommendations After Clinical Diagnosis

Abstract Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) present with a wide range of developmental disabilities; however, clinical standards of care after a diagnosis are not well established. This retrospective review summarizes the types of intervention recommendations generated by an interdisciplinary FASD diagnostic team for 120 children ages 0.2 to 16.5 years receiving an FASD diagnosis at the University of Washington FAS Diagnostic & Prevention Network Clinic. Intervention recommendations documented in a FASD diagnostic summary report and submitted to each patient's medical record were subject to masked review and content analysis. Intervention recommendations were compared across 3 FASD diagnostic groups and selected demographic variables. The results show the type and frequency of services, supports, and resources recommended to a clinical sample of children with FASD.

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Neurobiology of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

10.1093/med/9780199937837.003.0179 ◽

2017 ◽

Author(s):

Carmen Lopez-Arvizu ◽

Carmel Bogle ◽

Harolyn M.E. Belcher

Keyword(s):

Hormonal Regulation ◽

Maternal Nutrition ◽

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders ◽

Ethanol Exposure ◽

Prenatal Ethanol Exposure ◽

Fetal Alcohol ◽

Wide Range ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

The Impact ◽

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

Prenatal exposure to ethanol can result in a wide range of clinical presentations that are grouped under the term “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders” (FASD). The direct cellular teratogenic effects of ethanol on fetal neurodevelopment include damage to cell survival, proliferation, and migration mechanisms. Dysregulation of neurotransmission and alteration of genetic transcription have also been implicated in the neurotoxic effects of prenatal ethanol exposure. These deleterious events lead to brain volume reduction, corpus callosum dysgenesis, cerebellar, and other neuroanatomical anomalies that have been observed in individuals with FASD. Beyond direct ethanol-induced insults, the impact that ethanol has on maternal nutrition, metabolism, hormonal regulation, and placental physiology also adversely effects fetal development. The complex interactions between numerous neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms that hinder optimal fetal neurodevelopment are reflected by the heterogeneous clinical presentation of FASD, including impaired growth, dysmorphic facial features, and cognitive and behavioral disorders.

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Left Behind: Lack of Research-Based Interventions for Children and Youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Rural Special Education Quarterly ◽

10.1177/875687050902800205 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 28 (2) ◽

pp. 32-38 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Sharon Bohjanen ◽

Megan Humphrey ◽

Susan M. Ryan

Keyword(s):

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders ◽

Children And Youth ◽

Fetal Alcohol ◽

Left Behind ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Research Based Interventions ◽

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Overview with Emphasis on Changes in Brain and Behavior

Experimental Biology and Medicine ◽

10.1177/15353702-0323006-03 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 230 (6) ◽

pp. 357-365 ◽

Cited By ~ 400

Author(s):

Edward P. Riley ◽

Christie L. McGee

Keyword(s):

Public Health ◽

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Financial Impact ◽

Fetal Alcohol ◽

Wide Range ◽

Prenatal Alcohol ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders constitute a major public health problem. This article presents an overview of important issues that surround these disorders and emphasizes the structural and neurobehavioral consequences associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol. Diagnostic criteria are discussed, and possible moderating factors for the range of outcomes are mentioned. In addition, the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders is described, and estimates of the financial impact of these disorders are given. Heavy prenatal alcohol exposure can severely affect the physical and neurobehavioral development of a child. Autopsy and brain imaging studies indicate reductions and abnormalities in overall brain size and shape, specifically in structures such as the cerebellum, basal ganglia, and corpus callosum. A wide range of neuropsychological deficits have been found in children prenatally exposed to alcohol, including deficits in visuospatial functioning, verbal and nonverbal learning, attention, and executive functioning. These children also exhibit a variety of behavioral problems that can further affect their daily functioning. Children exposed to alcohol prenatally, with and without the physical features of fetal alcohol syndrome, display qualitatively similar deficits. Determining the behavioral phenotypes that result from heavy prenatal alcohol exposure is critical, because the identification of these children is crucial for early interventions. In addition, knowing which brain areas are involved might enable the development of better intervention strategies. However, intervention needs to go beyond the affected individual to prevent future cases. As evidenced by the staggering financial impact these disorders have on society, prevention efforts need to be aimed at high-risk groups, and this issue needs to be made a high priority in terms of public health.

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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Encyclopedia of Social Work ◽

10.1093/acrefore/9780199975839.013.921 ◽

2016 ◽

Author(s):

Elizabeth C. Pomeroy ◽

Danielle Parrish ◽

Angela M. Nonaka ◽

Kathleen H. Anderson

Keyword(s):

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Work Practice ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Social Work Practice ◽

Fetal Alcohol ◽

Prevention Services ◽

Wide Range ◽

Spectrum Disorders ◽

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

This article reviews existing knowledge on the assessment of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and available screening, prevention, and intervention services. The wide range of preventable conditions associated with FASD throughout the life cycle is described, along with associated high-risk maternal behaviors. In addition, cultural and social determinants are discussed, in an effort to inform social work practice. The differentiation of FASD and protective factors that have been identified as reducing negative outcomes for children and their families affected by prenatal alcohol exposure are also explained. Finally, multidisciplinary and culturally appropriate prevention services are emphasized as well as early diagnosis and strength-based intervention strategies.

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