BACKGROUND: In Canada the incidence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is estimated to be 1 in 100 live births. FASD is the leading cause of developmental and cognitive disabilities in Canada. No study has examined the cost to parents/caregivers of raising a child with FASD in Canada. OBJECTIVES: To calculate an estimate of direct and indirect costs associated with raising a child with FASD at the patient level. DESIGN/METHODS: Cross-sectional study design was used. Two-hundred and thirty (230) participants completed the study tool. Participants included caregivers of children from day of birth to 18 years of age, living in urban and rural communities throughout Canada. Participants completed the Health Services Utilization Inventory (HSUI). Key cost components were elicited: direct costs: medical, education, social services, out-of-pocket costs; and indirect costs: productivity losses. Total average costs per individual with FASD were calculated by summing the costs in each cost component, and dividing by the sample size. Costs were extrapolated to one year. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to identify significant determinants of costs and to calculate the adjusted annual costs of raising a child with FASD. RESULTS: Total adjusted annual costs associated with FASD at the individual level was $31, 640 (95% CI $25,342; $38,642). Severity of the child’s condition, age, and relationship of the individual to the caregiver (biological, adoptive, kinship) were significant determinants of costs (p < 0.001). Thirty-two (32) percent of the total costs were paid by families caring for the children: The total annual cost to parent(s)/caregiver(s) of a child with FASD was $10,124.80. These costs were beyond the costs of raising a healthy child and only associated with costs of FASD. CONCLUSION: Study results demonstrated thecost burden of FASD in Canada to parents/caregivers. Implications to practice, policy, and research are discussed.
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of autism among Canadian children is 1.1 in 100.1 The possibilty of an association between prenatal alcohol exposure and autism was based on early case reports describing autistic behaviour in children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.2 OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of autism in children prenatally exposed to alcohol. DESIGN/METHODS: A chart review was conducted of 220 children, aged 4 to 16 years, admitted to a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder(FASD) Clinic, and prenatally exposed to alcohol. Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence of the autism diagnosis,number of children diagnosed with FASD, and relevant demographic data. RESULTS: Nine (9) of the total 220 children, or 4.1 %,had been diagnosed with autism using standarized tests. Mean age was 7.6 years with a range of 4.3 to 14.2 years. Five (5) of the children were boys, and 4 were girls. Six (6) additional children had autistic behaviours: autism was ruled out in 2 of the 6 children, and 4 had not been assessed. Eight (8) of the 9 children diagnosed with autism were also diagnosed with FASD, and in 1 child the diagnosis was deferred. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of autism among children prenatally exposed to alcohol was significantly higher than the overall Canadian population (4.1 % vs. 1.1 %). Implications for practice and research are described.
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