FASD News - 32/2020

Baby Gaga - Survey: 20% Of Women Drink In The First Trimester

Even though medical professionals have issued strong warnings against drinking alcohol during pregnancy, a new survey reveals that a surprising number of women admit to consuming alcohol while expecting.
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Baby Gaga - Is A Little Alcohol Ever Okay During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy comes with responsibility. You have to eat healthy meals, drink water, exercise, and the number one rule; do not take alcohol. Once moms discover that they are pregnant, they are told a list of rules which include not taking even a sip of alcohol.
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Healio - Miscarriage risk increases with each week of alcohol consumption during pregnancy
The risk for miscarriage increases with each week of alcohol consumption in early pregnancy, regardless of the amount consumed, according to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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RNZ (New Zealand) - Family fights chaotic system in caring for disabled foster child
A Woodville family says it has been a nightmare trying to get funding and support to look after their severely disabled foster child.
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Parent Herald - Reasons You Should Quit Alcohol When You Become Pregnant
If you are trying to conceive or you are already pregnant, then you should give up alcohol. Both the male and the mum should quit drinking if they want to conceive successfully.
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University of Otago (New Zealand) - Otago experts deemed ‘critic and conscience’ of society
Public health specialist Professor Michael Baker from the University of Otago, Wellington, today receives the Critic and Conscience of Society Award for his extraordinary efforts in keeping the citizens of New Zealand informed about the COVID-19 crisis and public health issues in general. While, lecturer and social worker Associate Professor Anita Gibbs also receives the award for her tireless advocacy raising the profile of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in New Zealand.
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Institute for Attachment and Child Development - 3 differences between FASD & RAD: Finding the right path
A couple doesn’t understand why things seem to get worse for their adopted child. Despite a diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and years of intervention treatment services, he continues to frighten his parents.
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COMING UP
BC Council for Families - Understanding Fetal Alcohol and Other Neurobehavioural Conditions: A Brain-Based Approach (Nov 4, 2020, Canada)
Fetal Alcohol / Neurobehavioural conditions (FA/NB) encompass the spectrum of brain-based conditions with a wide range of symptoms. This workshop establishes a research-informed foundation linking brain function with behaviours and introduces an emerging best practices approach to developing effective person-specific strategies in all settings.
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INOFAS - FASD In A Nutshell presented by INOFAS (Lunch & Learn) (August 25th, USA)
This training defines FASD, explains the disorders on the spectrum, and symptoms associated with FASD.
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Seashell Trust - Intro to Supporting Children & Young People with FASD (22 October, 12 November, 18 November, 2 December 2020; Scotland)
This one day course is uniquely co-designed and co-delivered by specialists from the Seashell Trust Outreach Team and The National Organisation for FASD.
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Montgomery County Office Of Drug And Alcohol - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Effects on Physical and Behavioral Health (September 14, 2020; Online)
Please join us for a free webinar to learn more about the physical and behavioral effects of FASD.
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INOFAS - It's A Brain Thing (September 8th; USA)
Children and adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD's) struggle with many of the cognitive skills that everyday situations demand of us. When they cannot meet expectations, people in their life often believe they are intentionally defiant, oppositional, lazy, or unintelligent.
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Surrey Place – MOVING FORWARD: Building Resilience in FASD (September 9, 16 and 23, 2020; Canada)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of the most prevalent brain-based disabilities developed as a result of maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. The condition may lead to physical, mental, learning, behavioural and/or social skill impairments with possible lifelong implications.
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The CHC - FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) event (September 11, 2020; Pennsylvania USA)
Anytime is a good time to raise awareness about FASD, please join us for this special event on Friday September 11, 2020.
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Parents Helping Parents - A Conversation about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with Nate Sheets, FASD Specialist & Behavior Consultant (September 23, 2020; Canada)
This webinar is especially for parents, families and professionals who live and work with individuals who have, or are suspected of having, FASD.
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David Deere - 2020 Virtual FASD Conference: A Conversation with the Experts (September 10-11, 2020; Online Event)
In place of an all-day, in-person conference, None for Nine is hosting a series of mini-lectures covering seven topics. Each hour will begin with a short presentation of the topic lasting 25-30 minutes.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
PAHO - New publication to assist healthcare providers in the diagnosis and recognition of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
PAHO has published a training workbook on Assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), in Spanish and English, aimed at healthcare providers, to assist in the diagnosis and recognition of FASD.
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NOFAS - 2020 FASD Awareness Month/Day Packet
The 2020 NOFAS FASD Awareness Month/Day packet is now available as a downloadable PDF. The packet contains sample social media messages, a sample proclamation and news release, and a list of events and resources.
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CanFASD - Understanding FASD in the Criminal Justice System: A Research Update
This panel discussion dives into the relationship between Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the criminal justice system. This webinar features Dr. Kaitlyn McLachlan, the Justice Research Lead with the Canada FASD Research Network.
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Bethany - Parenting a Child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
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Aucdnetwork - Educational Strategies for Working with Students with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
There is no one size fits all approach to working with individuals with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Working with students who have a FASD be challenging for parents, educators, and others providing services and supports to the students in the educational setting.
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prenatalalcoholexposure.com - The Silent Epidemic: A Child Psychiatrist’s Journey Beyond Death Row
The Silent Epidemic is a global warning about the tragedy of brain damage caused by our social drug of choice – alcohol, and the hope of early screening, identification, and treatment.
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FASD Success - Sara Messelt: Arming FASD Advocates
Sometimes I go on Twitter – not much – but what I do notice is there are a lot of people who talk about how the system needs to change but then they don’t do anything about it.
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CanFASD - FASD Awareness Month
September 9th is International FASD Day. First celebrated in 1999, FASD day is devoted to raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to improve prevention of FASD and diagnosis and support for individuals with FASD.
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Bissell Centre - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum of Services
Through community development, advocacy and intensive supports, Bissell Centre’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum of Services (FASS) program  enhances the community’s capacity for prevention and awareness through education, and supports for the well-being of individuals, families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and their caregivers.
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Health Nexus Santé - PSA FASD September 9th, 2020
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CanFASD - CanFASD responds to new FASD Assessment training resource
It has come to our attention that many organizations are questioning if they should use this workbook in Canada as this project was funded by the World Health Organization (WHO).
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CanFASD - FASD Month 2020 is Almost Here!
Help us raise awareness of FASD in Canada! Submit a short video of yourself telling us what FASDis to you. Deadline is August 31!
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RESEARCH
Child Neuropsychology - Early delay of gratification predicts later inhibitory control and academic performance in children with prenatal alcohol exposure
These findings indicate that early inhibitory capacity persists into middle childhood in those with FASD, and may be a promising target for early intervention to improve later cognitive outcomes in these children.
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Aotearoa New Zealand Social Work - Improving treatment and outcomes for young people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in the youth justice system: A social work led response and practice framework
Based on the research findings, an FASD-informed practice framework has been developed as a tool to guide social workers who are working with young people with FASD in the Aotearoa New Zealand YJ system and beyond.
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Reproductive Toxicology - Folic acid reduces the ethanol-induced morphological and behavioral defects in embryonic and larval zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
We conclude that in this FASD model, EtOH exposure produced several teratogenic and behavioral defects, FA reduced, but did not totally prevent, these defects. Understanding of EtOH-induced behavioral defects could help to identify new therapeutic or prevention strategies for FASD.
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Medicine - Porencephaly in an Italian neonate with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder
This case shows that FAD should be considered in neonates with rare neurological diseases as porencephaly. In neonates and infants born to a mother who did not report alcohol use, EtG measure in hairs can significantly improve diagnosis of FASD, so allowing to exclude genetic diseases associated with similar clinical findings.
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Psychiatry, Psychology and Law - Reframe the Behaviour: Evaluation of a training intervention to increase capacity in managing detained youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental impairments
The first study to investigate the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) within an Australian juvenile detention centre has identified the highest known prevalence of FASD among a justice-involved population worldwide.
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American Journal of Occupational Therapy - The Best Possible Start: Perspectives of Parents of Children With or at High Risk for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
This qualitative study explored the converging and diverging needs of biological and adoptive parents raising young children with or at risk for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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Alcohol - Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Maternal Glutamine Supplementation Alter the mTOR Signaling Pathway in Ovine Fetal Cerebellum and Skeletal Muscle
These findings suggest prenatal alcohol exposure and maternal GLN supplementation during the third trimester-equivalent alters the mTOR signaling cascade which plays a possible key role in alcohol-induced developmental damage.
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Stigma and Health - Abortions due to the Zika virus versus fetal alcohol syndrome: Attributions and willingness to help
This research applies the attribution–affect–action (AAA) model (Weiner, 1980) to investigate contextual and dispositional determinants of reactions toward pregnancy termination.
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Frontiers in Pediatrics - Murine Models for the Study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Overview
Prenatal alcohol exposure is associated to different physical, behavioral, cognitive, and neurological impairments collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The underlying mechanisms of ethanol toxicity are not completely understood.
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BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth - Multi-service prevention programs for pregnant and parenting women with substance use and multiple vulnerabilities: Program structure and clients’ perspectives on wraparound programming
The programs involved in the Co-Creating Evidence study have impressively blended social and primary care and prenatal care. Their success in respectfully and flexibly responding to women’s diverse needs, interests and readiness, within a community-based, wraparound service delivery model paves the way for others offering pre- and postnatal programming.
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NeuroImage: Clinical - Validity of automated FreeSurfer segmentation compared to manual tracing in detecting prenatal alcohol exposure-related subcortical and corpus callosal alterations in 9- to 11-year-old children
This is the first study to demonstrate in a pre-adolescent cohort the ability of automated segmentation with FreeSurfer to detect regional volume changes associated with pathology similar to those found using manual tracing.
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Research Square - Protocol for an economic evaluation and budget impact assessment of a randomised, steppedwedge controlled trial for practice change support to increase routine provision of antenatal care for maternal alcohol consumption

Uptake of clinical guidelines requires practice change support. It is hypothesized that the implementation strategy, if found to be effective, will also be cost-effective, affordable and scalable. This protocol describes the economic evaluation that will address these hypotheses.
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Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology - Mendelian randomisation approaches to the study of prenatal exposures: A systematic review
Prenatal MR studies frequently discuss issues that affect all MR studies, but rarely discuss problems specific to the prenatal context, including selection on pregnancy and effects of postnatal exposure.
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Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report - Alcohol Use and Co-Use of Other Substances Among Pregnant Females Aged 12–44 Years — United States, 2015–2018
Pregnant respondents in the first trimester reported higher current alcohol use than respondents in the second or third trimester. Among first trimester respondents, 19.6% reported current alcohol use and 10.5% reported binge drinking; among second or third trimester respondents, current drinking and binge drinking were reported by 4.7% and 1.4%, respectively.
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Journal of Population Therapeutics & Clinical Pharmacology - Ten years of evidence for the diagnostic assessment of preschoolers with prenatal alcohol exposure
The assessment of preschoolers with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is challenging for many diagnostic teams and clinicians. The 2016 Canadian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) diagnostic guidelines describe the assessments recommended for individuals with PAE in various age groups.
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The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology - Screening for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in forensic mental health settings
Exploratory screening outcomes varied considerably between tools. Findings highlight the need for additional research to identify rates of FASD in forensic mental health settings, and to develop evidence-based screening and assessment approaches, and practice guidelines, for this setting.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Oborniki Naszemiasto (Poland) - Konkurs osób dla osób w ciąży - 9 miesięcy pełnych miłości
Urząd Miejski w Obornikach oraz Gminna Komisja Rozwiązywania Problemów Alkoholowych w Obornikach organizuje konkurs fotograficzny „9 miesięcy pełnych miłości”. Konkurs jest kierowany do osób w ciąży mieszkających na terenie gminy Oborniki.
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Spektrum Patholinguistik (Germany) - Pragmatische Kompetenzen von Kindern mit Fetalen Alkohol-Spektrum-Störungen (FASD)
Eines von 300 Neugeborenen in Deutschland ist von Fetalen Alkohol-Spektrum-Störungen (FASD) betroffen.
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Gesundheit (Germany) - Kinder aus der Schnapsflasche
Sind 100 Meter weiter als ein Kilometer? Wie lang dauert eine halbe Stunde? Passt ein großer Topf in einen kleineren? Grit Wagner kann diese Fragen nicht beantworten. Löcher im Gehirn - so beschreibt die 46-Jährige die Auswirkungen ihrer vorgeburtlichen Schädigung, verursacht durch den hohen Alkoholkonsum ihrer Mutter während der Schwangerschaft.
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