@article{ad49e10d04e148429c1594e61e8626f6,
title = "Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: An overview of current evidence and activities in the UK",
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. [Abstract copyright: {\textcopyright} Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2021. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.]",
keywords = "FASD, Alcohol, Diagnosis, screening, disability, neonatology, syndrome, adolescent health",
author = "Lisa Sch{\"o}lin and Raja Mukherjee and Neil Aiton and Carolyn Blackburn and Sarah Brown and Kate Flemming and Paul Gard and Helen Howlett and Moira Plant and Alan Price and Jennifer Shields and Lesley Smith and Michael Suttie and David Zammitt and Penny Cook",
note = "Funding Information: Funded studies into FASD in the UK remain limited, in contrast with, for example, the USA, where the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has recently issued a US$30 million call specifically for FASD research. Researchers at the University of Salford are undertaking the first active case ascertainment study of FASD in the UK, in a project funded by Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). The Salford team is also developing a training programme for parents of children with FASD, designed to reduce stress at home and improve life outcomes, in a project funded by the Medical Research Council. A multipronged campaign is under way to reduce AEPs in the Greater Manchester region. This includes FASD-specific training for professionals, and addiction and contraception support for women at risk of an AEP based on the CHOICES intervention,30 routine alcohol screening at antenatal care, and an online public health campaign to increase understanding of FASD. The impact of these interventions will be evaluated by further research funded by GMCA. Another prevention-focused study, led by University of Hull, involving midwives in the North East of England, has been funded by the National Institute for Health Research and supported by the regional antenatal care network. Funding Information: Competing interests RM is an unpaid voluntary Medical advisor to various UK and international FASD charities and has received occasional honoraria for academic talks related to FASD. JS, SB and DZ have funding from a Scottish Government grant to expand training, research and clinical knowledge of FASD. Remaining authors have no conflict of interest to report. Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2021 Archives of Disease in Childhood",
year = "2021",
month = jul,
day = "1",
doi = "10.1136/archdischild-2020-320435",
language = "English",
volume = "106",
pages = "636--640",
journal = "Archives of Disease in Childhood",
issn = "0003-9888",
publisher = "BMJ",
number = "7",
}
