Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder that appears under diagnosed in Australia. It should be considered in all children with developmental delay or behaviour problems. A new Australian guide to diagnosis of FASD may help improve recognition and treatment of patients with FASD.
Key Points
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a severe pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder that is often, but not always, accompanied by sentinel facial features.
- Although FASD has a high prevalence in some Indigenous populations, it is estimated to affect six times as many nonIndigenous as Indigenous people in Australia.
- A safe lower limit of alcohol use during pregnancy has not been established; the safest option for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy is not to drink alcohol.
- Despite high alcohol consumption in Australia, health promotion about FASD has been scant, and FASD diagnostic and informed treatment services are few.
- The recently published Australian guide to diagnosis of FASD may improve recognition and treatment of patients with FASD.
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