Need to establish a national diagnostic capacity for foetal alcohol spectrum disorders

  1. Raewyn Mutch1,2,3,
  2. Elizabeth M Peadon4,5,6,
  3. Elizabeth J Elliott4,5,6,
  4. Carol Bower1,2

Article first published online: 13 MAR 2009

DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2009.01464.x

Issue

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health

Volume 45, Issue 3, pages 79–81, March 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Mutch, R., Peadon, E. M., Elliott, E. J. and Bower, C. (2009), Need to establish a national diagnostic capacity for foetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 45: 79–81. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1754.2009.01464.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Centre for Child Health Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth,

  2. 2

    Telethon Institute of Child Health Research,

  3. 3

    The Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Subiaco, Perth, Western Australia,

  4. 4

    The Children's Hospital at Westmead,

  5. 5

    University of Sydney and

  6. 6

    The Australian Paediatric Surveillance Unit, Sydney, New Sound Wales, Australia

*Dr Raewyn Mutch, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, PO Box 855 West Perth, WA 6872, Australia. Fax: +08 9489 7700; email: raewynm@ichr.uwa.edu.au

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 13 MAR 2009
  2. Article first published online: 13 MAR 2009
  3. Accepted for publication 25 October 2008.

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Keywords:

  • diagnostic capacity;
  • evidence-based;
  • foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD);
  • therapeutic plan;
  • University of Washington 4-digit diagnostic code

Abstract

Alcohol exposure in pregnancy can induce a broad range of physical and developmental defects in the child, collectively known as foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). In Australia, there are proven gaps in our knowledge and practice for recognising and diagnosing FASD. The challenge for the Australian health professional is agreeing on a model for diagnosing and treating FASD. The diagnostic method must be evidence based, sensitive and specific, and account for other exposures during pregnancy and early life events. Training in application of the diagnostic method needs to be readily available in metropolitan and regional Australia. The University of Washington FASD 4-digit diagnostic code fulfils all of these best practice criteria, recommending itself as the method of choice.

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