Towards Healthy Outcomes for Individuals with FASD

Abstract

Background and objectiveIndividuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) may experience a range of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological difficulties that can result from prenatal alcohol exposure. Intervention approaches for individuals with FASD are required to respond to evolving strengths and needs throughout their lifespan.
 Material and methodsIn response to these evolving unique needs, best practices were developed by integrating current research findings with the experiences of individuals with FASD and their caregivers. The “Towards Healthy Outcomes” approach has been developed to provide an evidence-informed framework to support intervention for individuals with FASD throughout their lifespan.
 ResultsThis framework was developed based on core philosophies that create opportunities for individualized intervention support, including development throughout the lifespan, impact of interacting systems, and a strengths-based approach. These underlying philosophies and core beliefs are actioned throughout the lifespan around the following 12 domains: (1) physical health; (2) attachment; (3) family cohesion; (4) social functioning; (5) mental health and regulation; (6) education; (7) identity development; (8) community engagement; (9) adaptive skills; (10) housing; (11) employment; and (12) parenting skills. To establish its potential use, each of these domains is considered broadly within the context of FASD field, including the new ideas put forward by the studies included in this issue.
 ConclusionThe “Towards Healthy Outcomes” framework is an intervention approach that facilitates proactive and evidence-informed approaches to foster the development of individuals with FASD. It provides developmental considerations that are specific to the 12 domains and reflect the whole person. Furthermore, the “Towards Healthy Outcomes” framework allows for the integration of research with the lived experiences of caregivers and individuals with FASD that bridges existing research gaps.

Lived experiences of the diagnostic assessment process for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A systematic review of qualitative evidence

“…Early developmental concerns identified by caregivers are often accurate and are later validated by physicians as medically significant (Simon et al, 2022 ), underscoring the importance of acknowledging the expertise that caregivers bring regarding their child's life. Family‐centered care that values working collaboratively with families has previously been suggested as key to FASD‐informed care delivery (Joly et al, 2022 ; Reid, Crawford, et al, 2022 ) and could be considered as a critical approach to the assessment and diagnostic process.…”

Addressing gaps and stigma appropriately in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

“…This contributed to the Canadian Guidelines on Diagnosis of FASD (2005, revised 2016) that was implemented in several jurisdictions 2 . Integrated Service Delivery and Towards Healthy Outcomes is the model of evidence‐based supports used in the Alberta FASD Service Network 3,4 . So why are the gaps and stigma still there?…”