Publications

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a preventable neurodevelopmental disorder caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, significantly affecting Indigenous communities worldwide. Despite numerous prevention interventions, their effectiveness has not been thoroughly evaluated. This systematic review updates the evidence on FASD prevention in Indigenous populations globally, including North America and New Zealand, and provides recommendations for future research.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a major public health issue in Australia, often underdiagnosed and costly. It results from prenatal alcohol exposure and can lead to broad brain injury, but its prevalence in the general population remains unclear. In high-risk groups, Australian studies have found some of the highest FASD rates globally. A common misconception is that a child must have distinct facial features to be diagnosed with FASD; however, these features are present in only a minority of cases. FASD should be viewed as a 'whole body' disorder, as it is linked to increased health risks later in life. Clinicians may avoid diagnosing FASD due to stigma concerns, though evidence does not support this. The Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of FASD can help health professionals provide accurate diagnoses, leading to better outcomes through evidence-based interventions and prevention.

This policy issues brief outlines the key issues contributing to high rates of alcohol use in pregnancy. It also reviews current policies related to alcohol consumption in pregnancy and FASD. It provides policy and practise recommendations to prevent alcohol consumption in pregnancy.

The National Guide is a practical resource intended for all health professionals delivering primary healthcare to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people. Its purpose is to provide GPs and other health professionals with an accessible, user-friendly guide to best practice preventive healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.

Gilbert + Tobin aims to prompt governments to develop a more inclusive definition of cognitive impairment (including FASD) for use in law and policy. The policy document was launched by Ms June Oscar AO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner and Chief Justice Wayne Martin AC.

The aim of this study is to examine the effectiveness, cost and cost-effectiveness of a multi-strategy practice change intervention in increasing antenatal care addressing the consumption of alcohol by pregnant women.