FASD 25/2023

Stuff.co.nz (New Zealand) - Hui marks 'groundbreaking day' for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder
Not many people understand how Eriapa Dalbeth’s brain works. The 17-year-old said too much information makes him overwhelmed, his memory fails him and sometimes he can’t pay attention.
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Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (Australia) - National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Strategic Action Plan 2018-2028 – Three-year implementation review
This report shares review findings of the National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Strategic Action Plan 2018-2028 implementation. The review’s aim is to inform the Australian Government if the plan is on-track to achieving its goals.
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Senator Lisa Murkowski (USA) - Murkowski, Klobuchar Reintroduce Bill to Prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders While Supporting Individuals Living with FASD
U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minnesota) today reintroduced the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Respect Act of 2023, legislation which reauthorizes programs and funding to aid individuals and families impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
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Castanet - Mom with FASD fights intergenerational trauma: 'I chose my kids'
A Vernon mother says she is being forced to move out of town due to lack of supports. The woman suffers from fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, and her family has a history of drug and alcohol abuse. But, she says that ends with her – she doesn’t drink or do drugs.
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The West Australian (Australia) - Caroline Bower: Professor behind landmark FASD study in juvenile jails named in King’s Birthday Honours
A leading professor who successfully lobbied for mandatory pregnancy warnings on alcohol bottles and cans, and led a landmark study into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder at Banksia Hill Detention Centre has been named in the King’s Birthday Honours.
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Medical Xpress - Fetal alcohol syndrome: Facial modeling study explores technology to aid diagnosis
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a lifelong condition caused by exposing an unborn baby to alcohol. It's a pattern of mental, physical and behavioral symptoms seen in some people whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy.
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Scoop (New Zealand) - Time For Action On Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder In Aotearoa
Alcohol Action NZ welcomes the establishment of the FASD Advisory Roopuu, announced by the Associate Minister of Health Hon Willow-Jean Prime today, and the appointment of Raawiri Ratuu (Kaiaarahi of Kookiri ki Taamakimakaurau Trust) and Professor Māmari Stephens (Te Rarawa) as its co-chairs.
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CanFASD - Trainee Series: Learning about FASD through the eyes of criminal justice professionals
I am a researcher working on a project to better understand and support those with FASD in the criminal justice system. This blog describes what I’ve learned about FASD in the context of criminal justice, and how it corresponds with my knowledge of FASD in the education system.
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RESEARCH
The Journal of Clinical Investigation - Preconception paternal ethanol exposures induce alcohol-related craniofacial growth deficiencies in fetal offspring
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is characterized by a range of structural birth defects, including facial dysmorphia, central nervous system growth deficits (microcephaly), and prenatal/postnatal growth restriction, which correlate with the magnitude of prenatal alcohol exposure. Although exclusively attributed to the maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy, multiple clinical studies and case reports have emerged describing instances in which infants presenting with alcohol-related birth defects were born to mothers who denied consuming alcohol during pregnancy.
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Journal of Integrative Neuroscience - Enhancing Understanding of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) across the Globe
This Special Issue ‘Enhancing understanding of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) across the globe’ aims to increase our knowledge in research relevant to FASD, mechanistic insights, prevention, and comorbid conditions.
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Adaptive Functioning - Prevalence of Epilepsy and Pathological Eeg Findings in a Norwegian Sample of Children with Fasd: Impact on Cognition, Adaptive Functioning
There was an increased prevalence of epilepsy. A high number of children in all FASD subgroups had pathological EEG-findings, even in absence of an epilepsy. Irrespective of epilepsy, ADHD and FASD subgroup, children with frontal EEG pathologies showed significantly reduced processing speed and working memory, which may indicate clinical significance and a possible target for intervention.
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Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - Dog-Assisted Therapy vs Relaxation for Children and Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Study
The rationale of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Dog-assisted Therapy (DAT) in children and adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
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Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research - Results of an FASD screening tool are associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures
Results from the FASD-Tree screening tool were associated with neuropsychological and behavioral outcomes. Participants classified as FASD-Positive were more likely to have impairment in all domains tested.
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Frontiers in Neuroscience - Behavioral Changes in FPR2/ALX and Chemr23 Receptor Knockout Mice Are Exacerbated by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) causes neuroinflammation that may contribute to the pathophysiology underlying Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
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Frontiers in Neuroscience - Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Linking immune function to mental health status
Taken together, to our knowledge, this study is the first to examine the impact of the pandemic in adults with FASD. And while it may be too soon to predict the long-term effects of the pandemic on mental health, our data suggest that it will be important that future work also takes into account how immune function may be modulating mental health outcomes in this population.
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Child: Care, Health and Development - Establishing a multidisciplinary specialist centre for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders—Lessons learned from a model project in Germany
Our service was used by both caregivers and professionals who reported numerous and complex concerns and needs. Professionally sound and multidisciplinary services are viable instruments to meet those needs, bearing the potential for quick and notable relief among individuals affected.
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Journal of Exercise Science - Efficacy of a 6-week Novel Exergaming Intervention Guided by Heart Rate Zones on Aerobic Performance in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Feasibility Study
he purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of a novel exergaming intervention guided by heart rate zones for children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
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bioRxiv - Prenatal alcohol exposure alters expression of genes involved in cell adhesion, immune response, and toxin metabolism in adolescent rat hippocampus
Alcohol exposure during fetal development is associated with a wide range of behavioral and physical symptoms that can be observed from childhood throughout adolescence and beyond.
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Research in Developmental Disabilities - Parental scaffolding in play: A comparison of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and autism spectrum disorder
This preliminary exploratory study suggests that parents of children with developmental disabilities may differentially ‘match’ their child’s play level. Further research on developmental play levels during parent-child play is warranted.
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Frontiers in Integrative Neuroscience - Contextualizing The Impact of Prenatal Alcohol and Tobacco Exposure on Neurodevelopment in a South African Birth Cohort: An Analysis from the Socioecological Perspective
Research on neurodevelopment following community-levels of PAE and PTE should more regularly consider the ecological context to accelerate understanding of teratogenic outcomes.
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bioRxiv - The influence of prenatal alcohol exposure and maternal diet on offspring DNA methylation: a cross-species study
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with changes to offspring DNA methylation and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES
Radio Centrum (Poland) - Czym są FAS i FASD?
FAS oraz FASD były tematem spotkania zorganizowanego w Lubelskim Centrum Konferencyjnym. Prelegenci spotkali się w celu popularyzacji i edukacji o problematyce nadużywania alkoholu w czasie ciąży.
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Stadt Pforzheim (Germany) - Fachvortrag zum Thema "Fetale Alkoholspektrum-Störungen" (FASD)
Die Stadt Pforzheim lädt mit der Sozialpädagogin und FASD- Fachberaterin von „FAZIT Gesellschaft für lösungsorientierte Jugendhilfe mbH“, Susanne Sommer, zum Fachvortrag „FASD – eine Herausforderung im pädagogischen Alltag“ ein.
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N-LAND (Germany) - Risiken von Alkoholkonsum in der Schwangerschaft
NÜRNBERGER LAND – Wenn Frauen während der Schwangerschaft und Stillzeit Alkohol trinken oder andere Rauschmittel zu sich nehmen, kann dies schwere Auswirkungen auf die Gesundheit des ungeborenen Kindes haben.
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Alcohol News - 25/2023

NordAN (Nordic/Baltic) - No Safe Limit: Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 takes a bold stand on alcohol consumption
The Nordic Nutrition Recommendations 2023 have been released, advising people to avoid or minimize alcohol consumption for both health and environmental reasons. These recommendations are based on the latest scientific evidence and aim to promote healthy and sustainable dietary choices.
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NordAN (Finland) - New Finnish Government proposes major overhaul of alcohol laws to increase market competition
The new Finnish coalition government has just approved its coalition agreement, which entails significant changes to the country's alcohol laws, aiming to increase competition and liberalize markets.
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The Local Denmark (Denmark) - Should Denmark raise the minimum age for buying alcohol?
Up to 30,000 people between the ages of 15 and 24 have received treatment at hospital emergency wards over the last year after drinking alcohol. A charity has called for politicians to consider changing the minimum age for buying alcoholic drinks.
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CNN - Heavy drinkers really don’t ‘handle their liquor,’ study says
It’s a misnomer that heavy drinkers can “hold their liquor,” a new study found. Instead, people with alcohol use disorder — what used to be called alcoholism — were significantly impaired on cognitive and motor tests up to three hours after downing an alcoholic drink designed to mimic their typical habits.
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ERR News (Estonia) - Riigikogu votes to raise alcohol and tobacco excise duties
On Monday, the Riigikogu voted to pass a bill, raising excise duties on alcohol and tobacco products, ahead of its second reading.
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News Medical (Norway) - Older people do not know enough about the risks associated with drinking alcohol, research shows
A large proportion of older people state that they drink alcohol twice a week or more and the difference in alcohol use between men and women is getting smaller, according to researchers at the University of Agder.
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The Trace (USA) - One Major Factor Missing From the Gun Safety Debate: Alcohol
Research shows that drinking is a driver — and predictor — of gun violence. But state laws regulating if chronic abusers may own or carry guns are wildly inconsistent.
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The Independent (UK) - Changing attitudes sees millions choosing to drink more mindfully, study reveals
A poll of 2,000 adults who have previously consumed alcohol found 57 per cent are choosing to “do things by halves” - interspersing alcoholic drinks with alcohol-free alternatives at social occasions.
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Sydney Morning Herald (Australia) - ‘Every phone is a bottle shop’: Pandemic hangover prompts booze ban call
A surge in Australians seeking help for alcohol use during the pandemic has prompted calls for a two-hour “safety pause” between when people can order liquor and have it delivered to their home.
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Neuroscience News - Alterations in Alcohol Consumption Echo Depression Symptom Changes
People reporting lower alcohol use simultaneously noted reductions in depressive symptoms, while an increase in alcohol consumption was paired with a rise in depression, irrespective of the drinking levels.
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LSM (Latvia) - Parliamentary discussions on alcohol advertising limits in Latvia continue
Raising the age limit from which alcohol can be purchased, banning alcohol sales at gas stations, as well as limiting alcohol sales on the Internet, are some of the proposals discussed at the parliamentary level to limit the availability of drinks in Latvia, Latvian Radio reported June 20 as part of its investigation series of Latvia's multifaceted drinking problem Zeme, kur dzer (The land that drinks).
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Liverpool Echo - Ryanair confirms in-flight alcohol rules after rumours of booze ban
Ryanair has confirmed its rules around taking alcohol onboard its flights. Many people will be preparing to fly out to sunny destinations for the summer - so it is best to make sure you’re up-to-date with all the new rules and travel guidelines, including what you can bring with you. One thing a lot of Brits travelling abroad like to take with them is booze from the duty-free at the airport.
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AlcoholAndCancer - Adhering to global health recommendations reduces cancer risk
People who adhere to global Cancer Prevention Recommendations are putting themselves at lower risk of developing the disease, new research confirms.
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Alcohol News - 24/2023

News Medical (China) - Rising alcohol consumption in China linked to increased risk of 61 diseases
A recent study published in Nature Medicine evaluates the associations between alcohol consumption and the risk of diseases in Chinese adults.
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Medical Xpress - Alcohol and smoking to blame for premature deaths among night owls, 37-year study suggests
Staying up late at night has little impact on how long 'night owls' live, according to new research published in the peer-reviewed journal Chronobiology International.
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Healthing - It causes seven types of cancer and birth defects. Should alcohol have a warning label?
“When I buy a can of corn, I know how many milligrams of calcium there are and I know how much is the serving size, but there’s nothing on the bottle of alcohol, except that it says ‘V 40%.’ What is that? I don’t know.”
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Irish News (Northern Ireland) - Drinkers urged to rethink habits ahead of NI Alcohol Awareness Week
ADULTS in the north have been urged to "rethink" their drinking habits ahead of NI Alcohol Awareness Week. The Belfast-based ASCERT charity, which works to reduce drug and alcohol harm, said a "significant number" of people here consume too much alcohol, with levels of problem drinking having increased in recent years.
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Independent.ie (Ireland) - Links between sexual violence and alcohol or drug use highlighted in new student study
Links between sexual violence incidence rates and alcohol consumption or the use of drugs, are highlighted in new research on first year college students.
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Daily Monitor (Uganda) - Alcohol industry funded rehab centres are not the solution
The alcohol industry can never help people stop drinking, which is the purpose of rehabilitation.
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EurekAlert! - Excessive alcohol consumption may accelerate Alzheimer’s disease progression
Scripps Research and University of Bologna scientists showed how excessive alcohol consumption in animals can hasten cognitive decline in those genetically predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease
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Fortune - Rampant air rage may be even worse this summer as packed planes and alcohol create a ‘recipe for violence’
A warning as the Northern Hemisphere summer travel season kicks off: air rage is rampant in the post-pandemic world.
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Otago Daily Times (New Zealand) - Police want public drinking ban in Queenstown and Wānaka
A complete ban on public drinking in central Queenstown and Wānaka would give the best chance of minimising alcohol-related harm in the resort towns, police say.
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IAS Blog - Unveiling the hidden health hazards of alcohol use
Alcohol consumption is prevalent around the world and is increasing in many middle-income countries including China. While the harmful effects of heavy drinking for certain major diseases (e.g., liver cirrhosis, stroke and several types of cancer) are well established, the broader impact of alcohol use on a wide range of diseases remains largely unexplored.
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Movendi (Germany) - Two Thirds of Germans in Favour of Alcohol Health Warning Labels
A brand new survey indicates that a majority of Germans are in favor of having warning labels on alcoholic beverages. In a YouGov poll, 67% of respondents expressed support for labels warning about the health risks linked with alcohol use.
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NordAN (Sweden) - IOGT-NTO mobilizes support for Swedish alcohol monopoly with new petition
IOGT-NTO has launched a new petition amidst growing concerns over a proposed shift in Swedish alcohol policy. The proposed change to allow direct alcohol sales by producers, popularly known as 'farm sales', is under active discussion in the Swedish Government.
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Newcastle University - Adhering to global health recommendations reduces cancer risk
People who adhere to global Cancer Prevention Recommendations are putting themselves at lower risk of developing the disease, new research confirms.
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NordAN (Norway) - Norway: 1 out of 2 Promote Alcohol on Social Media
A new report from the analytics firm Rambøll reveals that roughly half of the surveyed alcohol manufacturers and suppliers are breaching the advertising ban on social media.
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NordAN (Denmark) - Early intervention makes a difference for children and parents in families with substance abuse
Specialized therapy, parental coaching, and social activities help children and parents from families struggling with alcohol and drug abuse. This is demonstrated by a comprehensive evaluation conducted by psychologist and PhD Helle Lindgaard among children and parents in the treatment offering of the Blue Cross, Children's Blue House (Barnets Blå Hus).
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Alcohol News - 23/2023

news | ERR (Estonia) - 2022 saw increase in alcohol and drug-related deaths in Estonia
The number of deaths directly caused by alcohol continues to rise. Last year, 753 alcohol-related deaths were recorded, up from 695 in 2021, and 619 in 2020. The number of deaths directly caused by drug use also increased from 39 in 2021 to 80 last year.
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AlcoholAndCancer (EU) - Philippe Roux on Alcohol and Cancer: Insights into the Europe Beating Cancer Plan
In an informative interaction with Philippe Roux, the Head of the Cancer, Health in all Policies Unit at the European Commission, DG Health and Food Safety, we explored the ongoing efforts of the Europe Beating Cancer Plan.
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The Conversation (Australia) - Australia should follow Ireland’s lead and add stronger health warning labels to alcohol
From August 2023, Australian beer, wine, spirits and pre-mixed drinks have to warn of the harms of drinking alcohol while pregnant. But they don’t have to mention the other harms of alcohol for the wider population.
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The Conversation - Foetal alcohol syndrome: facial modelling study explores technology to aid diagnoosis
Foetal alcohol syndrome is a lifelong condition caused by exposing an unborn baby to alcohol. It’s a pattern of mental, physical and behavioural symptoms seen in some people whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy.
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Medscape - Alcohol Dependence in Teens Tied to Subsequent Depression
Our findings suggest that preventing alcohol dependence during adolescence, or treating it early, could reduce the risk of depression," which could have important public health implications, the researchers write.
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ABC (Australia) - In Queensland, alcohol delivery services don't have to check for ID or have drivers with RSAs. That could soon change
It could become harder for Queenslanders to get alcohol delivered to their homes, with the state government calling for feedback on how it should better manage the online alcohol industry.
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University of Stirling (Scotland) - MSPs share 'pain and loss' of their parents' alcohol use as part of new campaign
Miles Briggs MSP has opened up for the first time about his father’s alcohol use, as he backs a campaign aimed at reducing the stigma that surrounds deaths due to alcohol and drugs.
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Macau Business (Angola) - Angola: Anti-drugs NGO wants draft bill on curbing alcohol use to be approved
The chairman of the Angolan association for the fight against drugs said on Thursday that the consumption of alcoholic beverages by teenagers and young people has increased in the country in recent years, calling for the approval of the law aimed at reducing excessive use.
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Biznews (South Africa) - SA’s spirited reputation as Africa’s booziest nation may soon be hit with sobering alcohol – and injury – curbing restrictions
South Africans are known for their love of a good drink, but their spirited reputation comes at a staggering cost, with South Africa having the highest per capita rate of alcohol consumption in Africa and the Western Cape drowning in excessive consumption.
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Te Ao Māori News (New Zealand) - Call for government to protect pēpi against alcohol-related härm
Māori affected by irreversible brain damage caused by alcohol have appealed to the Government to honor historical promises of safeguarding Māori from the harmful effects of alcohol.
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The Guardian (Australia) - Alcohol industry lobbyists misrepresented evidence in bid to influence Australian policy, study finds
Australia’s alcohol industry continues to “manipulate, misuse and ignore evidence in attempts to influence policy,” a study which analysed submissions to the development of the national alcohol strategy has concluded.
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CBC (Canada) - Booze prices need to rise, accessibility needs to drop to reduce harm, study says
Alcohol policy evaluation estimates more than $400 million was spent on costs related to drinking in New Brunswick in 2020— about $92 million more than what the province made in alcohol-related revenue.
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IAS Blog - Alcohol control policies for everyone?
Despite its negative effects on health, many people around the world consume alcohol regularly and at risky levels. As a consequence, alcohol is among the leading risk factors for premature death.
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City University of New York (USA) - Study finds high rates of alcohol misuse and binge drinking among Harlem residents during COVID-19
A new study published in the Journal of Urban Health by CUNY SPH doctoral student Thinh Vu and faculty Pedro Mateu-Gelabert, Deborah Levine, Luisa N. Borrell and Victoria K. Ngo found that high rates of alcohol misuse and binge drinking were prevalent among Harlem residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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RACGP (Australia) - Trial highlights lack of awareness on alcohol and breast cancer link
Alcohol consumption accounts for 6.6% of breast cancer cases in post-menopausal women and 18% of breast cancer deaths. Despite being a major modifiable risk factor, awareness of the risk alcohol poses remains low.
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AlcoholAndCancer - Study sheds light on misconceptions about alcohol as a cancer risk factor
A recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health has provided valuable insights into the challenges and enabling factors for adopting and complying with cancer prevention recommendations among different population subgroups.
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FASD News - 22/2023

CBC (Canada) - Her son's disorder has been part of her world for years. Now this mom's focus is helping others
Tanya Walsh's job at the Vitalité Health Network connects her with families navigating life with FASD
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Express & Star (UK) - Wolverhampton campaigner takes fight to Parliament over 'hidden disability' FASD
A Wolverhampton disability campaigner says a hidden condition that impacts her maths and memory skills has led to her getting turned down for more than 100 jobs.
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National Indigenous Times (Australia) - The system is the real "terror" in youth justice
How can the West Australian Premier Mark McGowan get away with describing a group of kids with disabilities as "terrorists"? Especially when we know that many of them grew up in the care and under the control of his own State's Child Protection system.
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Alaska's News Source (USA) - Teen speaks about trouble navigating Alaska’s mental health system
Recent studies show Alaska Natives and American Indians suffer more depression and cases of mental illness than any other group in the country.
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Nvrinformed - What's the deal with consequences?
It’s something that comes up often, especially with adoptive parents and parents of children with SEND (special educational needs and disabilities). Parents often feel they've done something wrong when setting boundaries and imposing consequences lead to escalations in tricky behaviour. Parents can easily feel really lost with it all.
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Telethon Kids (Australia) - Nine out of ten young people in detention found to have severe neuro-disability
Nine out of ten incarcerated youth examined by Telethon Kids Institute researchers as part of a ground-breaking study had some form of neuro-disability – most of which had gone previously undiagnosed despite multiple contacts with government and other agencies.
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Verywell Mind - Understanding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Its Impact on Mental Health
Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of several syndromes within a group of disorders known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), where a child experiences issues with growth, central nervous system problems, facial feature differences, and problems with attention span, learning, vision, and hearing.
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Maternity & Midwifery Forum (UK) - Increasing confidence levels in alcohol and pregnancy conversations
The messages around drinking alcohol in pregnancy have often been confusing, leaving maternity staff unclear about what is best advice. Joanna Buckard, Director of Innovation, and Katie Liddle, midwife and research and project officer, at National FASD explain the current guidance and share new resources available to help support maternity staff.
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FASD United - An Interview with Kenny LaJoy: FASD Advocacy and Understanding
Author of It’s OK to Be You: Living Well with FASD or Other Disabilities, and overall amazing human being- Kenny LaJoy kindly accepted an interview to be shared in conjunction with our “Yes I Am” campaign (a follow-up to “Yes I Can”).
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Express and Star (UK) - Wolverhampton campaigner takes fight to Parliament over 'hidden disability' FASD
A Wolverhampton disability campaigner says a hidden condition that impacts her maths and memory skills has led to her getting turned down for more than 100 jobs.
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National FASD (UK) - National FASD Responds to Commons Report on Alcohol Treatment Services
Nowhere in the near 30-page report is FASD or harms caused by alcohol exposure in utero mentioned. This is in spite of the Committee receiving written evidence regarding the need for specialist treatment services for specialist support for women in pregnancy from local alcohol and substance misuse providers and other mentions of FASD prior to the report’s publication.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
FASD Hub Australia - Webinar Setting Strong Foundations: Early Intervention to help children with FASD thrive
Early childhood is an important time for all children, providing the foundation for future wellbeing, learning and behaviour. For children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), early assessment, diagnosis and interventions have the potential to make a critical difference in later life.
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FASD Hub Australia - Australian FASD Indigenous Framework with Nicole Hewlett
Blending Aboriginal and Western wisdoms, taking a healing-informed approach, and facilitating two-way learning at a grass roots level are keys to improving outcomes for Aboriginal communities living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), according to a new study.
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National FASD - Raja & Neil's FASD Book Club - Session 15, Identifying the Child with FASD in Educational Settings
In session 15 of Raja & Neil’s FASD Book Club, Dr Carolyn Blackburn discussed her chapter, ‘Identifying the Child with FASD in Educational Settings’.
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Bfit1 - Understanding FASD with Joel & Cedrick | Journey to Wellness & Beyond
Have you come across the term FASD? It’s called “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder”. As the name suggests, they’re a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy.
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Pregnancy, Alcohol and FASD: The Surprising Reality - #30 Australian FASD Indigenous Framework with Nicole Hewlett
Kurt is joined by Nicole Hewlett, a proud Palawa woman and researcher with the University of Queensland. Nicole is currently undertaking a PhD focusing on the development and implementation of Australia’s first FASD Indigenous Framework.
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FASD Family Life - The Intermission
Welcome to Season 4, episode 23 of the FASD Family Life Podcast. This is the only show about FASD hosted by an FASD Specialist and parent with 30 years lived experience.
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Girls, Women, Alcohol, and Pregnancy - FASD Prevention: An Annotated Bibliography of Articles Published in 2022
This year’s Annotated Bibliography of Articles Published in 2022 was just released and includes 113 articles from 33 countries.
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FASD Awareness - Dr Alan Price - FASD (Webinar #16)
Dr Alan Price is a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Salford, whose main research interest is foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). His PhD thesis was on the additional impact of childhood trauma on cognitive and behavioural functioning in children with FASD.
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RESEARCH
International Journal of Drug Policy - Accounts of women identified as drinking at ‘high risk’ during pregnancy: A meta-ethnography of missing voices
This meta-ethnography provides a more nuanced understanding of the complex dynamics involved in women's ‘high risk’ drinking during pregnancy, the contexts in which they drink and their unmet needs.
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Frontiers in Neuroscience - Prenatal alcohol exposure alters mRNA expression for stress peptides, glucocorticoid receptor function and immune factors in acutely stressed neonatal brain
The amygdala, hippocampus and hypothalamus are critical stress regulatory areas that undergo functional maturation for stress responding initially established during gestational and early postnatal brain development.
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Loughborough University - Animation-based learning for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
The purpose of this thesis is to explore the animation production process and determine alignment and suitability to best practice educational approaches for an identified user group, in order to propose an engaging, multisensory educational intervention centred around creative storytelling and animation film making.
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Frontiers in Pediatrics - A Systematic review: Facial, dental and orthodontic findings and orofacial diagnostics in patients with FAS(D)
This review shows that to date a multitude of heterogeneous guidelines exists for the diagnosis of FASD. Uniform, objective diagnostic criteria and parameters for the orofacial region in FASD diagnosis are needed.
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Frontiers in Neuroscience - Microbiota and nutrition as risk and resiliency factors following prenatal alcohol exposure
The combined evidence from alcohol exposure in adulthood and from other neurodevelopmental disorders supports the hypothesis that gut microbiota dysbiosis is likely an etiological feature that contributes to negative developmental, including neurodevelopmental, consequences of PAE and results in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
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The Pennsylvania State University - The Effects of Choline Supplementation on Blood Pressure Regulation in a Mouse Model of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
We analyzed the cardiovascular effects of PAE through blood pressure within mice models. Sex differences for blood pressures between male and female mice in models of FASD were significant, and choline has effects on blood pressure at week 12 and 24.
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medRxiv - Functional connectivity of cognition-related brain networks in adults with fetal alcohol syndrome
FC in cognition-related brain networks was altered in adults with FAS. Effects were widely distributed across these networks, potentially reflecting the diversity of cognitive deficits in these individuals.
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Physiology - Paternal alcohol consumption as a modulator of FASD in a mouse model
Recent compelling evidence for periconceptional environmental factors experienced by both parents and their influence on offspring health has highlighted the need for further research into paternal contributions to FASD.
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American Psychological Association - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder evidence in Canadian criminal cases: A case law review.
Increasing evidence highlights the relevance and frequent consideration of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in Canadian criminal legal cases, though systematic evaluation of the impact of such evidence on legal outcomes remains limited.
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Neuropharmacology - Impaired cognitive control after moderate prenatal alcohol exposure corresponds to altered EEG power during a rodent touchscreen continuous performance task
These findings suggest that moderate exposure to alcohol during development can have long lasting effects on cognitive control, and task-relevant neural signals may provide a biomarker of impaired function across species.
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Alcohol Research: Current Reviews - Identifying Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Children Affected by It: A Review of Biomarkers and Screening Tools
Biomarkers and screening tools of PAE and its impact fall short of ideal predictive validity characteristics. Higher specificity than sensitivity was found for many of the biomarkers and screening tools used to identify PAE and its impact, suggesting that current methods continue to under-identify the full range of individuals impacted by PAE.
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Women's Health - Alcohol consumption and pregnancy in American Indian and Alaska Native women: A scoping review of the literature
American Indian and Alaska Native communities have diverse cultures, histories, and contemporary experiences. Grouping them together masks the differences in health and lifestyle behaviors, chronic disease rates, and health outcomes among them.
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Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica - Maternal alcohol consumption and the risk of miscarriage in the first and second trimesters: a systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis
This meta-analysis revealed no dose-dependent association between miscarriage risk and alcohol consumption, but further focused research is recommended.
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Reproductive Toxicology - Maternal alcohol intake in early pregnancy and biomarkers of fecundity in adult sons: A cohort study
Male fecundity may be largely determined through fetal programming and therefore potentially be sensitive to exposure to maternal alcohol intake during pregnancy.
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Preventive Medicine Reports - Effect of CenteringPregnancy on women’s health behaviours, health literacy and healthcare use
The objective of this study was to assess the effects of CenteringPregnancy (CP) in the Netherlands on different health outcomes.
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J. Integr. Neurosci. - Towards a Distinct Sleep and Behavioural Profile of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A Comparison between FASD, Autism and Typically Developing Children
The findings in this study highlight several syndrome specific features (shorter sleep duration, executive functioning difficulties, and higher levels of social and behavioural problems and panic) that potentially contribute to the unique phenotype of FASD.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES
LokalnyReporter.pl (Poland) - POMORZE ZACHODNIE: FASD – powszechna, ale mało znana choroba. O wyzwaniach diagnostycznych i planach na dalsze działania
Statystycznie, na 300 tys. urodzeń aż 1000 dzieci rodzi się z płodowym zespołem alkoholowym, a zaburzenia będące konsekwencją FAS, mogą dotyczyć nawet 20-ciorga dzieci na 1000.
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NDR (Germany) - "Wortsafari": Schreibwerkstatt für alkoholgeschädigte Kinder
"Wortsafari und Straßenpoesie" - unter diesem Motto steht die erste Schreibwerkstatt speziell für alkoholgeschädigte Kinder. Eine Aktion im Rostocker Literaturhaus, die auch dazu beitragen soll, den Betroffenen eine Stimme zu geben.
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theseus.fi (Finland) - Fysioterapian mahdollisuudet FASD-lapsen fyysisen toimintakyvyn tukena
FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) tarkoittaa sikiöaikaisen alkoholinkäytön aiheuttamaa oirekirjoa ja vaikutuksia sikiön kehitykselle.
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Alcohol News - 22/2023

ABC (Australia) - In Queensland, alcohol delivery services don't have to check for ID or have drivers with RSAs. That could soon change
It could become harder for Queenslanders to get alcohol delivered to their homes, with the state government calling for feedback on how it should better manage the online alcohol industry.
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Neuroscience News - Empathy’s Influence on Drinking Patterns
The study found that on days when people experienced higher levels of affective empathy (empathy based on shared emotional experiences) than usual, they tended to consume more alcohol. This connection remained even after adjusting for daily changes in positive and negative emotions.
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Planet Radio (UK) - South West study links adolescent alcohol dependence and depression
A study from the University of Bristol and UCL have found those who show signs of alcohol dependence at a young age are a higher risk of depression by their mid-20s
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MPR News (USA) - Addressing rising alcohol use among women
Alcohol use and misuse among women is on the rise and it’s causing severe health problems for some women.
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Medical Xpress - Researchers develop alcohol intervention for women attending breast screening appointments
Monash University, Turning Point and the Victorian Health Promotion Foundation (VicHealth) have developed a successful alcohol intervention for women attending breast screening appointments, as part of a world-first trial.
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Irish Mirror (Ireland) - More than 900 kids hospitalised due to alcohol or drug poisoning last year
More than 900 children were hospitalised as a result of alcohol or drug poisoning last year. Details released to the Irish Mirror under the Freedom of Information Act, show over three quarters – or 724 – were girls.
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Newswise - Neighborhood Access to Alcohol Might be Linked to A Raised Risk of Suicide Attempts
Living in a neighborhood with bars or government-run alcohol outlets may increase suicidal behavior among young adults, especially men and those with elevated genetic liability for attempting suicide, a new study suggests.
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HuffPost UK - Oh Good – This Is How Many Big Macs You're Drinking In Alcohol A Year
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you’re probably drinking the equivalent of a kebab’s worth of calories every day.
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American Psychological Association (USA) - More people in the U.S. die of alcohol-related causes than from opioids and other drugs. Psychologists are working to change that
Alongside the opioid overdose crisis, another hidden epidemic is quietly raging. Every year in the United States, more people die of alcohol-related causes than from opioids and other drugs.
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The Conversation (South Africa) - Drink up, it’s closing time: South African study calculates that limiting opening hours will save lives
South Africans are among the heaviest drinkers in the world. The country has the highest per capita rate of alcohol consumption in Africa. Excessive drinking is especially widespread in the Western Cape.
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CBC (Canada) - Booze prices need to rise, accessibility needs to drop to reduce harm, study says
More than $400 million was spent on costs related to drinking in New Brunswick in 2020— about $92 million more than what the province made in alcohol-related revenue.
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RACGP (Australia) - RACGP calls for action on Big Alcohol
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has today slammed Big Alcohol’s submissions informing government health strategy and called on the Albanese Government to stand up to the industry to put community safety and wellbeing first.
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GOV.uk (UK) - Evaluation of the Children of Alcohol Dependent Parents programme innovation fund: full report
This report presents the findings from evaluation activities carried out as part of the national evaluation of the Children of Alcohol Dependent Parents (CADeP) innovation fund (IF) programme across 9 local areas (spanning 13 local authorities) in England.
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