I attended the Research-to-Practice
Seminar on the topic on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder a few days ago.
Professor Elizabeth Elliott AM, Professor Paediatrics & Child Health,
Children’s Hospital Westmead gave a wonderful overview of the research on this
disorder.
Elizabeth Elliott and Jack Dikian 2013
Given the level of alcohol related
problems reported in the media in recent years Prof Elliott fittingly discussed
aspects of FASD framed against a broader societal issues involving alcohol
consumption.
Concerns have surrounded the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy since biblical times. However research and academic interest in the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the developing embryo is relatively recent. Since Jones first described Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in the 1970s considerable interest and conflicting evidence have emerged in the areas of FAS and its less severe form, Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) or Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND).
Concerns have surrounded the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy since biblical times. However research and academic interest in the teratogenic effects of alcohol on the developing embryo is relatively recent. Since Jones first described Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in the 1970s considerable interest and conflicting evidence have emerged in the areas of FAS and its less severe form, Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) or Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND).
The diagnosis of
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is based on a set of criteria comprised of abnormalities
in three main categories: growth retardation, characteristic facial features,
and central nervous system anomalies (including intellectual impairment). The
intellectual impairment associated with FAS is permanent and FAS is now regarded
as the leading, preventable cause of non- genetic intellectual handicap.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome A Literature Review - Prepared for the National Expert Advisory Committee on Alcohol
By Colleen O’Leary can be found below:
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