scholarly journals Understanding the Relationship between Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Criminal Justice: A Systematic Review

Healthcare ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 84
Author(s):  
Francesco Sessa ◽  
Monica Salerno ◽  
Massimiliano Esposito ◽  
Nunzio Di Nunno ◽  
Giuseppe Li Rosi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Criminal Justice ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Criminal Behavior ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

Prenatal alcohol exposure is considered one of the main causes of preventable birth disorders; however, it represents the main form of developmental delay in the world. Among the so-called secondary disabilities related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), there is a close connection with criminal behavior. This systematic review aims to provide up-to-date information about the relationship between FASD subjects and criminal justice analyzing different aspects. In light of the results of this review, a further goal is to provide several suggestions in order to reduce the public cost impact of FASD. A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, producing 20 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Based on the results published in the selected studies, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a leading cause of preventable birth disorders and developmental disabilities in newborns. Moreover, these subjects seem to be more inclined to criminal acts compared to others. In conclusion, it should be pointed out that FASD entails high public health costs, both regarding the support measures provided to the affected individual and to their family, as well as the cost and social impact of any criminal offenses committed.

scholarly journals Understanding and Supporting Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - Strategies for Health Professionals: an Opinion Piece

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Martyniuk ◽  
Sherri Melrose
Keyword(s):  
Health Professionals ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Community Services ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
Behavioral Challenges ◽  
Executive Functioning Deficits ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum ◽  
Prompt Diagnosis

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a non-diagnostic umbrella term used to describe the spectrum of lifelong physical, mental and intellectual disabilities that can result from prenatal exposure to alcohol. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is preventable when pregnant women abstain from drinking any type or amount of alcohol at any time during pregnancy. One in 100 children worldwide are affected. Prompt diagnosis and treatment referrals for infants and children improve functionality. Yet, conditions related to fetal alcohol exposure frequently remain unrecognized and untreated. Adults with both diagnosed and hidden Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder experience significant cognitive, behavioral and executive functioning deficits. Co-morbid physical and psychiatric disorders are common. This editorial provides health professionals with information to understand and support adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Specific strategies related to initiating referrals to community services, communicating intentionally and responding positively to behavioral challenges are discussed.

scholarly journals Suicidality and Associated Factors Among Individuals Assessed for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Across the Lifespan in Canada

2021 ◽  
pp. 070674372110532
Author(s):  
Katherine Flannigan ◽  
Carly McMorris ◽  
Amanda Ewasiuk ◽  
Dorothy Badry ◽  
Mansfield Mela ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Suicidal Ideation ◽  
Affect Regulation ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Clinical Information ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

Objective Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience a range of complex neurodevelopmental, psychological, and socioenvironmental vulnerabilities. There is growing evidence that suicidal ideation, attempts, and death by suicide are significant concerns within this population. In this study, we (1) determined the rate of suicidal ideation/attempts in a large group of individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) who were assessed for FASD in Canada and (2) investigated the associations between suicidal ideation/attempts and select demographic and biopsychosocial factors in this group. Method A secondary analysis of data from Canada's National FASD Database, a national repository of clinical information gathered through FASD assessment and diagnostic clinics across the country, was conducted. Descriptive analyses, chi-square/Fisher's exact tests, and binary logistic regression were used to examine demographic and biopsychosocial variables and their associations with suicidality. Results In our sample of 796 participants ( Mage = 17.7 years, range = 6–59; 57.6% male) assessed for FASD, 25.9% were reported to experience suicidal ideation/attempts. Numerous demographic and biopsychosocial factors were found to be significantly associated with suicidal ideation/attempts. The strongest associations with suicidal ideation/attempts were substance use, history of trauma/abuse, and impaired affect regulation. Conclusions With this study, we contribute to the emerging evidence of elevated risk of suicidality among individuals with PAE/FASD and improve our understanding of factors that may exacerbate this risk. Findings have relevance for improving screening, prevention, and proactive treatment approaches for individuals with PAE and FASD, their families, and wider support systems.

scholarly journals Maternal iron nutriture as a critical modulator of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder risk in alcohol-exposed pregnancies

2018 ◽  
Vol 96 (2) ◽  
pp. 204-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaylee K. Helfrich ◽  
Nipun Saini ◽  
Pamela J. Kling ◽  
Susan M. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Iron Homeostasis ◽  
Maternal Nutrition ◽  
Premenopausal Women ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
Liver Iron ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

Alcohol consumption during pregnancy places the fetus at risk for permanent physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments, collectively termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). However, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) outcomes vary widely, and growing evidence suggests that maternal nutrition is a modifying factor. Certain nutrients, such as iron, may modulate FASD outcomes. Untreated gestational iron deficiency (ID) causes persistent neurodevelopmental deficits in the offspring that affect many of the same domains damaged by PAE. Although chronic alcohol consumption enhances iron uptake and elevates liver iron stores in adult alcoholics, alcohol-abusing premenopausal women often have low iron reserves due to menstruation, childbirth, and poor diet. Recent investigations show that low iron reserves during pregnancy are strongly associated with a worsening of several hallmark features in FASD including reduced growth and impaired associative learning. This review discusses recent clinical and animal model findings that maternal ID worsens fetal outcomes in response to PAE. It also discusses underlying mechanisms by which PAE disrupts maternal and fetal iron homeostasis. We suggest that alcohol-exposed ID pregnancies contribute to the severe end of the FASD spectrum.

scholarly journals ASSESSING MOTOR SKILLS TO INFORM A FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER DIAGNOSIS FOCUSING ON PERSONS OLDER THAN 12 YEARS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. e25-e38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bernadette Safe ◽  
Annette Joosten ◽  
Roslyn Giglia
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Motor Skills ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Motor Impairment ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Current Evidence ◽  
Fine Motor ◽  
Prenatally Exposed ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

Background Motor impairments are one of the difficulties present in people prenatally exposed to alcohol, and are included in the diagnostic criteria for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Objectives The aim of this review was to examine the extent and common types of motor impairment present in persons aged over 12 years prenatally exposed to alcohol as evidence for determining the skills that should be assessed and addressed in intervention. Methods A systematic review of current evidence using various electronic databases was conducted. Studies were appraised using a recognised clinical appraisal tool. Results Seven studies published between 1998 and 2014 met the inclusion criteria. There is some evidence that difficulties with fine motor skills, visual motor integration, and balance skills persist in people who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol. Most studies did not focus on adolescent or adult participants in isolation, making it difficult to generalise results. Varied methodological designs made it difficult to compare studies as few used common standardised assessments Conclusion A review of functional difficulties in each individual would be required to determine if a motor assessment is warranted. Further research is required using assessments recommended in diagnostic guidelines to determine the common motor difficulties seen in adolescents and adults.

Making Research More Ethical for Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

2019 ◽  
pp. 173-184
Author(s):  
John Aspler
Keyword(s):  
Focus Group ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Alcohol Exposure ◽  
In Utero ◽  
Spectrum Disorder ◽  
Fetal Alcohol ◽  
Focus Group Interviews ◽  
Focus Group Study ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum

In this chapter, the author reflects on challenges associated with conducting focus group interviews with adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)—a complex neurodevelopmental disability caused by alcohol exposure in utero. Given the heterogeneity of this diagnosis, people with FASD have different strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, for effective and ethical research inclusion, each person with FASD may need unique accommodations, which can help to both minimize concerns about unjust research exclusion and mitigate sources of vulnerability. To explore these issues, the author describes the focus group study, presents anticipated risks and challenges, explores critical stakeholder feedback, and addresses ethical tensions arising from the resulting protocol adjustments. This chapter demonstrates the importance of researchers remaining open to criticism and being willing to work through their moral discomfort.

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