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Ethical considerations when communicating a diagnosis of a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder to a child

Michelle Todorow1, Karrela Paris, Ellen Fantus

  • 1Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada. michelle.todorow@sickkids.ca

Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology = Journal De La Therapeutique Des Populations Et De La Pharmacologie Clinique
|October 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Disclosing a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) diagnosis to children requires careful ethical consideration. This paper offers recommendations for clinicians to communicate FASD diagnoses effectively, minimizing harm and maximizing understanding.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pediatric Health
  • Medical Ethics

Background:

  • Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
  • FASD encompasses a range of neurodevelopmental impairments.
  • Communicating an FASD diagnosis to a child presents unique ethical challenges due to its origins.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To address the lack of formal guidelines for disclosing FASD diagnoses to children.
  • To discuss ethical principles and situational factors in communicating FASD diagnoses.
  • To provide recommendations for clinicians to improve disclosure practices.

Main Methods:

  • Review of ethical principles relevant to medical diagnosis disclosure.
  • Analysis of situational factors influencing the communication of FASD diagnoses.
  • Development of recommendations based on ethical considerations and potential risks/benefits.

Main Results:

  • There is a significant gap in formal guidelines for disclosing FASD diagnoses to children.
  • Disclosure requires careful consideration of ethical principles and potential impacts on the child.
  • Recommendations are provided to assist clinicians in sensitive and effective communication.

Conclusions:

  • Ethical considerations are paramount when disclosing an FASD diagnosis to a child.
  • Clinicians need guidance to navigate the complexities of FASD disclosure.
  • Formalized guidelines are recommended to support clinicians in this sensitive task.

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