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Sunday, April 13, 2025

FASD News - 15/2025

Tuesday June 10th 2025

FASD Conference 2025: FASD in The UK: Shaping Future Research and Practice

Social Sciences | University of Salford

 

Please join us at the University of Salford on Tuesday, 10th June 2025 for a pivotal conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) as we explore the latest advances in research and its impact on practice in the UK. This event is designed for health and social care practitioners, educators, those working in the voluntary and charity sectors, and researchers seeking to deepen their understanding of FASD. The conference is co-created with families with lived experience, ensuring that families are at the heart of the discussions.

Why Attend?

·         Learn from Experts and Families: Discover the latest research on FASD, with key presentations shaped by the expertise of both leading researchers and the lived experiences of families. These insights will directly inform practice and policy development in the UK.

·         Networking Opportunities: Engage with a diverse community of professionals, including healthcare providers, educators, researchers, and most importantly, families who have navigated the challenges of FASD. This is a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge and form new collaborations.

·         Practical and Technical Insights: Main sessions will offer accessible and relevant information that can be applied in your work, while parallel sessions will delve deeper into more technical aspects of the field. User-friendly summaries of complex research will be available. You’ll leave with tangible tools to support your work, all framed within the context of real-world experiences.

This conference offers more than just academic knowledge; it is an opportunity to contribute to the conversation and impact future research and practices that will support those affected by FASD in the UK.

NEWS and ARTICLES
News-Medical (Sweden) - Swedish study highlights prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Out of 206 fourth-grade students, 19 met criteria for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. This was found in a pilot study conducted at the University of Gothenburg. The results indicate that birth defects caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy may be as common in Sweden as in several other European countries.
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NZ Herald (New Zealand) - ROCKING THE RED SHOES
BREAKFAST was off the menu today for the Tairawhiti Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder Group.
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Irish Examiner (Ireland) - Silent epidemic of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder 'coming down the road at us fast and furiously'
The Government is being urged to recognise foetal alcohol spectrum disorder as a disability by a support group which warns it is a silent epidemic “coming down the road at us fast and furiously”.
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Todayville (Canada) - Red Deer RCMP receive 2021 FASD Champion Award
Members of the Red Deer RCMP’s Community Policing unit were honoured with the Central Alberta FASD Network’s 2021 FASD Champion Award last month.
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CBC (Canada) - Judge acquits vulnerable man of murder due to 'oppressive' Winnipeg police interrogation
A man described as a vulnerable person with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder was acquitted of second-degree murder last month, after a Winnipeg judge found his police statement was made up of details he fabricated under pressure — as two detectives took turns screaming at him "at the top of their lungs" — and barred it from being used as evidence in his trial.
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FASD-CAN (New Zealand) - Northland Psychologist cuts off dreadlocks to raise money for FASD-CAN
Every year up to 3,000 babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Aotearoa, New Zealand — a preventable but incurable brain-based disorder that impacts the lives of families for a lifetime.
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CanFASD - World Health Day 2025: Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures
Monday was World Health Day – an annual global event which provides an opportunity to highlight pressing health issues affecting communities worldwide. This year’s theme, Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, underscores the importance of supporting maternal and newborn health.
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VIDEOS and MATERIALS
Saskatchewan Prevention Institute - Supporting Young Children with FASD
This video provides basic information about FASD and how to support young children with diagnosed or undiagnosed FASD. The tips provided can also be helpful for parents and caregivers in different contexts.
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - Patima Sing-Eisen - FASD Research Conference 2025
What a Diagnosis Could Mean. 9th International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
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Health Nexus Santé - Discovering FASD Later in Life: Understanding and Embracing a Late Diagnosis
In this virtual training, Nancy Lockwood interviews Reinier deSmit about receiving an FASD diagnosis at the age of 56. Reinier shares how he always felt different but never knew why until his diagnosis provided clarity and self-acceptance. He discusses the impact on his relationships, health, and finances, as well as the challenges and benefits of disclosure.
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - FASD at Mid-Life: What Have We Learned? - FASD Research Conference 2025
At the 9th International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Dr. Susan Stoner from the University of Washington presented on "FASD at mid-life: what have we learned?", highlighting emerging research on mental health and substance use, physical characteristics and conditions associated with FASD in midlife, and areas where affected individuals show similarities or strengths compared to their peers.
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - FASD: What's in a Name? - FASD Research Conference 2025
At the 9th International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Prof. Elizabeth Elliott led a roundtable titled "FASD: what's in a name?" examining the utility and implications of FASD as a diagnostic term, including its links to stigma, confidentiality, and access to care, while exploring evolving understandings of neurodevelopmental conditions and their broader societal impacts.
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - Paternal Drinking and the Epigenetic Influences on FASD - FASD Research Conference 2025
At the 9th International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Dr. Michael C. Golding presented on "Paternal drinking and the epigenetic influences on mitochondrial function, child health, and FASD," exploring how paternal alcohol use affects offspring through epigenetic mechanisms, impacts sperm and mitochondrial function, and may interact with maternal drinking to influence FASD outcomes.
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - Laura Bousquet - FASD Research Conference 2025
At the 9th International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, self-advocate and FASD United Family Navigator Laura Bousquet presented "Nothing about us without us: exploring possibilities for thriving with FASD," sharing insights from lived experience and emphasizing the importance of including individuals with FASD in shaping the supports and systems that affect their lives.
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Me and My FASD - Why an FASD Diagnosis Matters and the Importance of Staying Positive
In this video Professor Raja Mukherjee, who is the UK's leading FASD specialist, talks with Georgia and Paul - two young adults with FASD - about why having a diagnosis matters.
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - Modifiable Lifestyle Factors to Support Neurodevelopment in FASD - FASD Research Conference 2025
At the 9th International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Dr. Jeffrey Wozniak and Dr. Blake Gimbel presented on "Modifiable lifestyle factors to support neurodevelopment in individuals with FASD," highlighting evidence-based strategies such as nutrition, sleep, and exercise that can positively influence brain development and functioning in people with FASD.
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FASDSUCCESS - #076 The Bofenkamps: An FASD Family Divided Then United
Today I chat with my good friend, and Caregiver Kickstart Coaching program alumni, Christine and her daughter Angelina. Not only has their relationship improved in the last year, since getting real about FASD, and working through their grief and loss, they have emerged the other side and are kicking some advocacy ass right now in their home state of Kansas.
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - The Collaborative Initiative on FASD (CIFASD) Symposium: Part I - FASD Research Conference 2025
At the 9th International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, the first part of the CIFASD symposium featured presentations by Drs. Edward Riley, Amanda Mahnke, Claire Coles, and Blake Gimbel, offering insights into the Collaborative Initiative on FASD's current research, including the use of microRNAs as biomarkers, long-term health impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure, and advanced brain imaging to study neurodevelopment in individuals with FASD.
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - The Collaborative Initiative on FASD (CIFASD) Symposium: Part II - FASD Research Conference 2025
At the 9th International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, the second part of the CIFASD symposium featured presentations by Drs. Michael Suttie, Miguel del Campo, Jeffrey Wozniak, Christie Petrenko, and Cristiano Tapparello, highlighting advances in 3D imaging for diagnosing facial features of FASD, evaluation methods for dysmorphology, combined brain stimulation and cognitive training interventions, and the use of digital tools to improve access to care across the lifespan.
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FASD United (formerly NOFAS) - We Can Destigmatize FASD - Video from International FASD Research Conference 2025
This interactive full-day pre-conference session builds on the dialogue started at the 2017 Pre-Conference in Vancouver, and will focus on the pervasive stigma and stereotypes associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
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Patricia Kasper, Your FASD Coach - The Now What: Tools for Parenting & Understanding FASD with Antonia Rathbun Lindsey
In this captivating episode of Living with FASD, host Patti Kasper reunites with the insightful Antonia Rathbun Lindsay to celebrate the impending release of her highly anticipated book, Parenting Your Porcupine: Tools for Working with Children with FASD, Drug Effects, and Other Neurodiversities.
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Early Years TV - Free Video: Dr Carolyn Blackburn on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Dr Carolyn Blackburn has worked in childcare and education for 20 years and has established a reputation for supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities.
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RESEARCH
East Tennessee State University - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Implications and Interventions
This study examines socioeconomic and healthcare barriers contributing to underdiagnosis and limited educational interventions in this region (Department of Education, 2021).
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European Journal of Paediatric Neurology - Transcranial magnetic stimulation in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A randomised, crossover pilot-trial
In this crossover study, we evaluated the feasibility and effects of high-frequency 10Hz-rTMS and iTBS over the left and right DLPFC, respectively, in children with FASD. Real low-frequency 1Hz-rTMS – expected to have no effect on FASD-symptoms – was used as control.
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Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research - Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder identification in Australia: A qualitative analysis of perspectives from psychologists and individuals with lived and living experience
Recognition of the impact of PAE is growing in Australia; however, there is a need to embed this topic within university training for psychologists.
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Eastern Ukrainian Medical Journal - EFFECTS OF PRENATAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE ON CHILD HEALTH
Clinical observation of a child with FAS in the neonatal period correlates with data from the literature on the impact of high doses of alcohol on fetal development, which leads to the formation of congenital malformations, mainly in the central nervous system and complicates the course of postnatal adaptation due to severe neurological disorders.
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Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health - Suboptimal industry adherence to the design specifications of the mandatory pregnancy warning label
The findings indicate that the application of the mandatory pregnancy warning label may be suboptimal in the Australian alcohol market. The lower adherence among spirits and wine products is concerning given their higher alcohol content.
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Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research - Prenatal alcohol exposure alters brain structure and neurocognitive outcomes for 6- to 7-year-old children in a South African birth cohort
This study suggests that there is persistent altered brain structural development in children with PAE, consistent with previous findings in this cohort at infancy and age 2–3
years.
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Pediatrics & Neonatology - Does Supplementation of Choline During or After Pregnancies Exposed to Alcohol Improve Neurocognitive Development of Children? A Meta-Analysis
Supplementation of choline in either period could benefit neurocognitive development in children of heavy-drinking mothers.
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Autism Research - Prenatal Maternal Alcohol Exposure During the First Trimester of Pregnancy in Relation to Early Learning Ability, Behavioral Problems, and Autistic Traits in Preschool Children With or Without Autism Spectrum Disorder
As expected, our findings suggest that PAE-FT is associated with adverse behavioral development of children regardless of ASD status. However, PAE-FT may exacerbate autism-specific developmental problems and learning difficulties in children with ASD.
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NeoReviews - Plans of Safe Care in Substance-Exposed Infants: Components, Complexities, and Collaboration
Plans of Safe Care, first mentioned in US federal legislation in 2003, are intended to address the health and safety of infants and families impacted by prenatal substance exposure.
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Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research - Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy andchild development: Role of ADH1B and ALDH2 genepolymorphisms—The Yamanashi Adjunct Study of the JapanEnvironment and Children's Study
The role of polymorphisms in genes regulating alcohol metabolism, particularly those modulating the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the neurodevelopment of offspring, remains inconclusive.
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J Midwifery Womens Health - Perinatal Substance Use Disorder Educational Content in US Midwifery Training Programs: A Survey
Program directors identified several barriers to enhanced PSUD education and clinical experience for their students, including lack of dedicated perinatal addiction clinicians, lack of faculty expertise, lack of time in the curriculum, and lack of time by faculty, among others.
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Midwifery - Pregnancy, risk behaviors and adverse reproductive outcomes: Is preconception care working in Italy?
Our survey showed a limited use of the preconception visit among Italian women. It may represent a valid resource to improve the folic acid supplementation and immunization before pregnancy.
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IN OTHER LANGUAGES
WELT Podcast (Germany) - Diagnose FASD — Alkohol in der Schwangerschaft und die Folgen
Studien gehen davon aus, dass etwa jede vierte Frau in Deutschland Alkohol trinkt, während sie schwanger ist. Ab welcher Menge schadet Alkohol dem Ungeborenen? Welche körperlichen und psychischen Folgen hat der Konsum für das Kind?
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Göteborgs Universitet (Sweden) - Alkoholskador hos barn kan vara underskattade
Av 206 fjärdeklassare hade 19 tecken på skador som orsakats av alkohol i fosterlivet. Det visar en pilotstudie vid Göteborgs universitet.
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FASD Suomi (Finland) - Webinaari: Miten FASD vaikuttaa lapseen?
FASD (fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) tarkoittaa alkoholin aiheuttamien sikiövaurioiden laajaa kirjoa. Webinaarissa käsitellään sitä, miten FASD vaikuttaa lapsen kehitykseen ja miten tukea FASD-lasta ja -nuorta.
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