Highlights
Limited research exists on the diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) for children and youth in care, who are at an increased risk for developing comorbid mental health conditions.
The current study describes a multidisciplinary assessment service exclusively for youth in care who were suspected by a child protection worker and pediatrician of a diagnosis of FASD, who were then referred for general psychiatric assessment.
The majority of youth who were initially screening by their child protection worker using a validated tool were determined to have met criteria.
Psychiatric comorbidity was diagnosed and treatment recommendations made for all children and youth referred.
We encourage that youth who access formal care systems be screened for FASD using this integrated community approach in order to facilitate more timely diagnosis and early intervention.
Abstract
Background
Several challenges exist when making a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and identifying co-morbid psychiatric illness, particularly for children and youth accessing child welfare services. Here, we describe an integrated three-phase approach to the identification of FASD and psychiatric comorbidity for children and youth in care, consisting of: 1) completion of a standardized neurobehavioral screening tool by a child protection worker (CPW); 2) assessment by a pediatrician, including facial measurements and; 3) integration of findings in a psychiatric assessment.
Main Findings: The majority of participants (14/18, 78%) of youth who were suspected by a CPW and pediatrician of a diagnosis of FASD using the screening tool were determined to have met criteria. A diagnosis was made in all cases where there was confirmed history of prenatal exposure and a majority of these youth were found to have sentinel facial features of FASD. Psychiatric comorbidity was diagnosed and treatment recommendations made for all children and youth referred.
Conclusions: This study supports the utility of an integrated community approach to diagnosing and treating comorbid psychiatric disorders in FASD by employing existing child protection and physician services in a community setting. Based on these preliminary findings, we encourage that youth who access formal care systems be screened for FASD by their CPW and are provided with appropriate pediatric and psychiatric assessments to clarify the diagnosis, while also identifying comorbid psychiatric illness to target appropriate interventions.
Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0190740919307285
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of the Edmonton and area Fetal Alcohol Network Society or its members.