Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
This Course will provide an overview of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, firstly looking at prevention. If we know what FASD is and what to look for, we can better screen for it to prevent it. As there is a new diagnosis process in Australia, the characteristics associated with FASD diagnosis will be discussed. Finally, intervention principles will be addressed, along with practical tips that you can apply to decrease the risk of a FASD birth, or to support those who have lived experience of FASD and/or their significant others.
Use
Use knowledge of the effects of alcohol on the developing foetus to educate women of childbearing age on the issue of FASDIdentify
Identify individuals at risk of FASD through screening and assessing infants, children, adolescents, and adults for FASD and other prenatal alcohol-related disordersIdentify
Identify ethical, legal and political issues related to FASD that may be barriers to the implementation of interventions for those who are affected by this conditionEducator
Anne Heath
Anne Heath is the Executive Director of Education for NOFASD Australia. She is based in Tasmania and travels nationally to deliver FASD training to organisations, parents/carers, and the community. She has an extensive background in community services (disability, drug and alcohol, youth work, mental health, and homelessness) and has multiple qualifications including a Master of Education. In addition to part time work with NOFASD Australia, Anne is also a lecturer and tutor in the Faculty of Education and the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Tasmania. Her teaching specialties are: developmental psychology, human resource management, project management, and quality improvement. She currently teaches human development to undergraduate teaching students, and project management and quality evaluation to post-graduate nursing students. Anne is passionate about raising awareness of FASD, and articulating the importance of early diagnosis to ensure those who will live with FASD receive timely support to enable a better quality of life.
Comments
Course Overview
Topics include:
- What is FASD?
- Screening and diagnosis
- Interventions and support
Target audience
Health professionals who care for women of childbearing age who may be at risk of drinking during pregnancy, and who may care for children and/or adults who have a diagnosis of FASD.
Purpose
Enhance awareness and information regarding fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), in order to ensure health professionals are able to provide assistance and support to those affected by FASD.
Need
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is easily undetected or misdiagnosed, and as such there is a lack of understanding of FASD by health professionals. Those experiencing FASD may present with 'problem' behaviours, in the absence of biomarkers, which can result in assumptions about the individual rather than support for a condition which results from physical brain-based abnormalities. The prevalence of FASD is difficult to determine due to the fact there is no requirement to count or report FASD. Additionally, alcohol use in pregnancy is not routinely screened for. However, the prevalence is estimated to range from 2-7 per 1,000 births in mainstream populations. Exposure to alcohol in the uterus is the most common preventable cause of birth defects. Yet of the estimated 395,000 Australian women who were pregnant in the year 2010, 51% reported drinking alcohol during pregnancy, with 1 in 4 continuing to drink even once they knew they were pregnant.
Health professionals in Australia that are registered with AHPRA are required to obtain continuing professional development (CPD) hours/points each year that relates to their context of practice, in order to comply with mandatory regulatory requirements.
