Meeting the Challenge of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Abstract

AbstractFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders(FASD) is a major source of neurodevelopmental impairment among both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians. Its effects are experienced not only by families directly affected, but also in health, education, child protection, youthyoung peopleand criminal justicesystems. Nationally, the prevalenceof FASD is poorly documented and services for prevention, diagnosis and treatment are inadequately resourced. In the case of remote Aboriginal communities, the challenges inherent in diagnosingFASD are compounded by the costs of delivering specialist services to remote settings. In recent decades, several Aboriginal communities have taken the initiative and developed community-led programs for assessing the prevalence ofFASD, creating culturally appropriateeducation and support services, and developing capacity to diagnose FASD in primary health care settings. This chapter describes these initiatives and considers the implications for other communities and policy-makers.