Publications

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can lead to permanent disabilities, including physical, neurodevelopmental, and cognitive impairments, collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Individuals with FASD are at higher risk of legal issues, including detention. A FASD prevalence study in Western Australia included young people sentenced to detention. Diagnosing FASD requires a multidisciplinary assessment and confirmation of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, which posed significant challenges in accurately assessing PAE for study participants.

This study examined the language skills of 98 young people sentenced to detention in Western Australia (WA), who participated in a cross-sectional study examining the prevalence of FASD. Language skills assessed using standardised and non-standardised tasks were analysed by the three major language groups identified: speakers of SAE, Aboriginal English and English as an additional language.

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.