Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: An overview of current evidence and activities in the UK

Schölin, Lisa; Mukherjee, Raja A.S.; Aiton, Neil; Blackburn, Carolyn; Brown, Sarah; Flemming, Kate M.; Gard, Paul R.; Howlett, Helen; Plant, Moira; Price, Alan D.; Shields, Jennifer; Smith, Lesley A.; Suttie, Michael; Zammitt, David C.; Cook, Penny A.

Abstract

Estimates for the UK suggest that alcohol consumption during pregnancy and prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) - the most common neurodevelopmental condition - are high. Considering the significant health and social impacts of FASD, there is a public health imperative to prioritise prevention, interventions and support. In this article, we outline the current state of play regarding FASD knowledge and research in the UK, which is characterised by a lack of evidence, a lack of dedicated funding and services, and consequently little policy formulation and strategic direction. We highlight progress made to date, as well as current knowledge and service gaps to propose a way forward for UK research.

Citation

Schölin, L., Mukherjee, R. A., Aiton, N., Blackburn, C., Brown, S., Flemming, K. M., Gard, P. R., Howlett, H., Plant, M., Price, A. D., Shields, J., Smith, L. A., Suttie, M., Zammitt, D. C., & Cook, P. A. (2021). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: An overview of current evidence and activities in the UK. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 106(7), 636-640. https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2020-320435

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Acceptance Date: Dec 21, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jan 13, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Deposit Date: Nov 15, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 6, 2022
• Journal: Archives of Disease in Childhood
• Print ISSN: 0003-9888
• Electronic ISSN: 1468-2044
• Publisher: BMJ Publishing Group
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 106
• Issue: 7
• Pages: 636-640
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2020-320435
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/3810637
• Related Public URLs: http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/59370/