Interventions for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Meeting Needs Across the Lifespan

Abstract

Background: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a complicated disability resulting in a diverse, highneeds population for whom intervention is critical to optimize functional competence and reduce the emergence of adverse outcomes. Researchers have been evaluating intervention efforts for FASD to inform practice and policy decision-making. Objective: The current review provides a synopsis of the current state of evidence for intervention research in FASD, with consideration of how our growing understanding of the unique needs of individuals with FASD might inform future intervention initiatives. Method: A comprehensive literature review was conducted across a number of databases using multiple search terms linking FASD and intervention. Results: Existing evidence-based interventions are limited and focus predominantly on the school-aged population, thereby neglecting adolescents and adults. Future research efforts are needed to support individuals with FASD across the entire lifespan, particularly during transitions and for individuals involved in the legal system. Conclusion: As the field of FASD continues to grow, so must the quality and quantity of intervention research. It is through cross-discipline intervention research efforts that the evidence supporting best practices will be established, and policies can be implemented to reflect best uses of available funds to support this population.

A Systematic Review of Interventions to Improve Mental Health and Substance Use Outcomes for Individuals with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

“…Although it is recognized that responses for individuals with FASD should be coordinated, long-term, and informed by the neurocognitive vulnerabilities associated with PAE (Mela et al, 2019), there is currently a lack of consolidated information about responses intended to support positive mental health and substance use outcomes in this population. Several review studies have been published in the last decade on FASD interventions more broadly (e.g., Paley & O'Connor, 2011;Peadon et al, 2009;Pei et al, 2016;Petrenko & Alto, 2017;Reid et al, 2015). However, none of these have been focused specifically on mental health or substance use outcomes for individuals with FASD, despite there being a notable gap in this area (Pei et al, 2016).…”

“…Several review studies have been published in the last decade on FASD interventions more broadly (e.g., Paley & O'Connor, 2011;Peadon et al, 2009;Pei et al, 2016;Petrenko & Alto, 2017;Reid et al, 2015). However, none of these have been focused specifically on mental health or substance use outcomes for individuals with FASD, despite there being a notable gap in this area (Pei et al, 2016). To fill this gap, we conducted a systematic literature review to collate the findings of all existing research related to interventions that improve mental health and substance use outcomes for individuals with PAE/FASD across the life course.…”

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Effective helping responses from social workers

“…The work established by the PSA is now spread across three networks in Calgary but the involvement of social work is still considered important. A Coaching Families programme run out of Toronto and Edmonton also uses similar advocacy and mentoring strategies and has been shown to be effective (Leenaars et al, 2012; Pei et al, 2016; Petrenko and Alto, 2017).…”

“…However, research into the lived experience of parents and caregivers has revealed a perceived lack of knowledge and understanding of FASD by health and social service professionals, reflected through inadequate support and ineffective service provision (Breen and Burns, 2012; Salmon, 2008). There is a small but growing body of research into clinical interventions that attempt to improve the neurocognitive impairments associated with FASD (see Olson, 2016; Peadon et al, 2009; Pei et al, 2016; Petrenko and Alto, 2017). However, few studies document specific social work and social service interventions and approaches.…”

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: a Case Study

“…Further, recent studies have found that self-regulation and executive function trainings result in improved parent-reports, inhibitory control, and storytelling (Nash et al, 2015; Wells, Chasnoff, Schmidt, Telford, & Schwartz, 2012). Computerized and attention focused interventions have also been moderately efficacious (Kerns, Macsween, Vander Wekken, & Gruppuso, 2010; Pei, Flannigan, Walls, & Rasmussen, 2016). Math intervention studies that were developed in concert with the neuropsychological profile associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (Math Interactive Learning Experience, MILE) have demonstrated significant gains in both pilot studies and community-based intervention (Kable et al, 2015; Kable et al, 2007).…”