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Published on: August 5, 2017
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: an overview for pediatric and adolescent care providers
1Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics Program, Levine Children׳s Hospital, Charlotte, NC; Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics of the Carolinas-Charlotte, Carolinas Healthcare System, Charlotte, NC; Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, NC.
Insights
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a preventable cause of intellectual disability. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent secondary disabilities and improve outcomes for affected individuals and families.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) encompasses conditions from prenatal alcohol exposure, marked by facial dysmorphia, growth deficits, and CNS abnormalities.
- FASD is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability in the U.S., incurring significant financial costs and leading to severe secondary disabilities if unaddressed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of prevention, identification, diagnosis, and management of FASD.
- To emphasize the role of clinicians in the continuum of care for FASD.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing diagnostic tools and resources.
- Introduction of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) FASD algorithm and toolkit.
- Focus on evidence-based interventions and supportive services for families.
Main Results:
- Undiagnosed FASD and lack of intervention lead to common secondary disabilities like substance abuse, school dropout, and criminal involvement.
- The diagnostic process facilitates access to crucial resources and interventions.
- Clinicians play a vital role in managing FASD from prevention to supportive care.
Conclusions:
- Early identification and intervention are critical for mitigating the impact of FASD.
- Comprehensive care, including supportive services, is essential for individuals with FASD and their families.
- Clinicians are pivotal in addressing this preventable disorder through a continuum of care approach.
Abstract:
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a term used to describe the spectrum of conditions associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. These are characterized by facial dysmorphia, growth deficits and central nervous system abnormalities. FASDs are the most common preventable cause of intellectual disability in the United States and have high financial costs. Therefore, efforts at prevention are paramount. When an individual with an FASD goes undiagnosed and when appropriate interventions are not instituted, secondary disabilities such as substance abuse, school dropout, and criminal involvement are common with corresponding suffering endured by both the affected individual and the family. The diagnostic process opens up access to existing tools and resources, including the new American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) FASD algorithm for the evaluation of FASDs, the new AAP FASD toolkit and evidence-based interventions specific to FASDs. Pediatric and adolescent clinicians are challenged to participate in the continuum of care from FASD prevention to identification, diagnosis, and management, including provision of supportive services for families in order for clinicians to make a difference in this 100% preventable disorder.
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