Teacher-Reported Prevalence of FASD in Kindergarten in Canada: Association with Child Development and Problems at Home

Abstract

The prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) may be underestimated as it can be difficult to diagnose in early childhood possibly reflecting unique developmental trajectories relative to other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDDs). Using data collected via the Early Development Instrument (EDI) between 2010 and 2015, we examined the prevalence of kindergarten children with FASD and their concurrent developmental outcomes. We found that the prevalence of FASD ranged from 0.01 to 0.31%. A greater percentage of children with FASD had teacher-reported home problems that interfered with their classroom functioning. Overall children with FASD had higher mean scores on the developmental domains compared to children with NDDs. Results of the current study can inform strategies and policies for early identification and intervention. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10803-020-04545-w) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

FASD prevalence among children and youth: results from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth

“…15,16 Similar studies con ducted in Australia, the United States and countries in Western Europe, albeit using different methods and covering different ages, found FASD prevalence ranges between 1% and 5% among children. 6,1720 Our finding of 0.1% is in the lower end of this range, but is in keeping with studies that used a passive case ascertainment approach, 5 although far lower than those using an active case ascertainment method. 15 Canadian children and youth who iden tified as Indigenous and who lived off reserve had a significantly higher prevalence of FASD than those who did not (1.2% versus 0.1%).…”

“…Canadian prevalence studies of FASD have employed various methods including clin ical examinations and active case ascer tainment while focussing on different population groups, jurisdictions and age ranges. 5,15 Published Canadian estimates range from 0.09%, using an early child hood development instrument, 5 to 1.4% to 4.4%, using active methods of case ascertainment. 15,16 Similar studies con ducted in Australia, the United States and countries in Western Europe, albeit using different methods and covering different ages, found FASD prevalence ranges between 1% and 5% among children.…”

Toward Effective Identification of FASD

“…6,9,52,53 There are also a wide range of screening tools designed to identify other developmental, cognitive, behavioral, and mental health concerns that are not specific to FASD but may nevertheless hold promise for FASD screening with tailored application. 54 Despite growing proliferation and interest in the development and implementation of FASD screening tools and practices, the evidence-base supporting the psychometric properties and effectiveness of many specific instruments remains limited. 25,27 This gap emphasizes a strong need for additional, methodologically rigorous research to support effective implementation.…”

Canadian clinical capacity for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder assessment, diagnosis, disclosure and support to children and adolescents: a cross-sectional study

“…Our results show that few clinics assessed and diagnosed FASD in infants and preschool-aged children. Although FASD can be diagnosed at various ages, it is commonly diagnosed when children enter the school-system (>5 years) and fail to attain behavioural and developmental milestones (e.g., motor skills, social skills, and language development) 20 21. Most clinics followed the Canadian interdisciplinary guidelines for infants, preschool, and school age children and adolescents (57% (n=4/7), 60% (n=15/25) and 80% (n=32/40), respectively).…”