Australia's first national diagnostic tool for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) has been developed by researchers at The Kids Research Institute Australia and the University of Sydney.
On September 9, which is International FASD Awareness Day, lead researcher Dr Carol Bower from The Kids Research Institute Australia said the tool would ensure young people across the country can be diagnosed earlier and more accurately.
"FASD is brain damage caused to the developing fetus as a result of exposure to alcohol during pregnancy," Professor Bower said.
"As with any neurodevelopmental disorder, early diagnosis is essential for a child to benefit from early intervention programs. Unfortunately, we know from our previous research that FASD is a condition that is under diagnosed in Australia. We hope this national tool will improve those rates."
Professor Bower said the tool would allow clinicians to make a FASD diagnosis using the national standardised diagnostic criteria and instrument and provide the foundation to improve rates of diagnoses of FASD in Australia.
"The tool and associated resources will ensure timeliness and consistency in diagnosis and provide the evidence base for prevention, diagnosis, management and advocacy for improved services and supports."
"We hope this new national tool will raise the profile of FASD in the community and remind people that no alcohol during pregnancy is the safest choice."
Dr Bower said the instrument was a collaboration between researchers, clinicians across the country and consumers and has been harmonised with Canada's new national FASD guidelines.
You can access the instrument here.
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Media contact:
Jasmine Raisbeck, Senior Communications Officer, The Kids Research Institute Australia
08 9489 7635 or 0437 575 875 or jasmine.raisbeck@telethonkids.org.au
About FASD:
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is characterised by severe neurodevelopmental impairment resulting from an unborn child's exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure are life-long and may not be seen at birth. Problems include brain damage leading to delayed development, social, behavioural and learning problems. These can lead to secondary outcomes such as poor school performance, unemployment, substance abuse, mental health problems and early engagement with the justice system.
About International FASD Awareness Day:
International FASD Awareness Day is celebrated on the 9th of September each year. Community events to mark FASD Awareness Day now take place around the world with communities traditionally pausing at 9.09am - the 9th minute of the 9th hour of the 9th day of the 9th month of the year - representing the nine months of pregnancy. The day is a chance to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who struggle with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
About The Kids Research Institute Australia:
The Kids Research Institute Australia is one of the largest, and most successful medical research institutes in Australia, comprising a dedicated and diverse team of more than 500 staff and students.
We've created a bold blueprint that brings together community, researchers, practitioners, policy makers and funders, who share our vision to improve the health and wellbeing of children through excellence in research.
The Institute is headed by leading paediatrician and infectious diseases expert Professor Jonathan Carapetis, with Founding Director Professor Fiona Stanley now Patron.
The Kids is independent and not-for-profit. The majority of funding comes from our success in winning national and international competitive research grants. We also receive significant philanthropic support from corporate Australia and the community.