The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health—IJERPH (ISSN 1660-4601, IF 2.145) is currently running a Special Issue entitled “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)”. Assoc. Prof. Svetlana Popova (from University of Toronto) and Dr. Larry Burd (from North Dakota Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Center) are serving as the Guest Editors for this issue. Based on your expertise in this field, we think that you could make an excellent contribution.

The goal of this Special Issue is to publish papers that expand our current knowledge of prenatal alcohol and other substances’ exposure and FASD and make it accessible to the research community, educators, policy makers, and others interested in this area. We invite all FASD-related research submissions, and we especially encourage the submission of papers from authors in developing countries where there are less infrastructure and traditional support of research on prenatal substance use exposure and FASD. The keywords listed below provide an outline of some of the possible areas of interest.

• prevention
• treatment
• recent advances in screening and diagnosis
• therapeutic and non-therapeutic interventions
• comorbidities
• mortality
• epidemiology
• economic cost
• risk factors of maternal substance use and FASD
• outcome trajectories (children, adults, and elderly people with FASD)
• law enforcement
• service delivery (i.e., health care, special education, etc.)
• experience and perception (patients and carers living with FASD, and practitioners)
• policy

For further reading, please follow the link to the Special Issue website at: http://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph/special_issues/FASD

The submission deadline is 15 April 2019. You may send your manuscript now or up until the deadline. Submitted papers should not be under consideration for publication elsewhere. We also encourage authors to send a short abstract or tentative title to the Editorial Office in advance (ijerph@mdpi.com).

IJERPH is fully open access. Open access (unlimited and free access by readers) increases publicity and promotes more frequent citations, as indicated by several studies. Open access is supported by the authors and their institutes. An Article Processing Charge (APC) of CHF 1600 currently applies to all accepted papers (APC: CHF 1800 from 1 January 2019 onwards).

For further details on the submission process, please see the instructions for authors at the journal website (http://www.mdpi.com/journal/ijerph/instructions).

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Kind regards,

Dr. Svetlana Popova, M.D., Ph.Ds., M.P.H.

Senior Scientist, Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, WHO/PAHO Collaborating Centre in Addiction and Mental Health Associate Professor, Epidemiology Division, Office of Global Public Health Education & Training, Dalla Lana School of Public Health; and Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.

Phone: 1 (416) 535-8501 ext. 34558
Fax: 1 (416) 595-6068

e-mail: lana.popova@camh.ca

Dr. Larry Burd, PhD

North Dakota Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Center Department of Pediatrics, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences Pediatric Therapy Services, Altru Health System Grand Forks ND, USA 58201

Phone: 1 (701) 777-3683

e-mail: larry.burd@ndus.edu

FASD-flyer

CanFASD Issue Paper» FASD Prevalence in Special Populations — Based on the most current research, the estimated prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the general Canadian population is 4%. However, rates of FASD are believed to be much higher in certain groups. The goal of this issue paper is to take a closer look at the research on special populations that may be at greater risk for FASD, including children in care, individuals involved in the justice system, and Indigenous communities. This examination is critical to understanding the demographic, social, geographical, and cultural factors that underlie drinking during pregnancy, and which groups may warrant additional support to ensure healthy outcomes.

CanFASD Issue Paper» The Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder — Since Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was first defined in North America in the 1970s, researchers have been working to determine prevalence rates of this disability. The social and economic impacts of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) on families and the broader community are profound, thus understanding the scope of the issue is critical. Over the years, researchers have used various methodologies and examined a range of geographical regions and populations around the world in their efforts to establish prevalence rates. Because of these differing approaches, FASD prevalence findings have not always been consistent. The purpose of this issue paper is to share the most up-to- date research findings, and to provide clarity around the question, “How many people have FASD?”

The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is launching the only comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) database in the world, providing key insight into the profile of individuals with FASD as well as Canada’s first-ever national prevalence statistics.

CanFASD can now get real-time data from clinics across Canada, helping inform policy and practice at a national level. Information from the database will also provide data back to each of the diagnostic clinics to help them inform and support their own work.

The database will also provide opportunities for national education and training to improve services for individuals with this neurodevelopmental disorder.

CanFASD’s national database is important for understanding the relationship between diagnostic capacity and service availability for individuals with FASD. In-depth research will inform policy decision and resource allocations pertaining to health services provided to those with FASD. Currently, there are more than 25 clinics from nine provinces and territories participating.

The economic cost of substance use in Canada in 2014 was $38.4 billion, or about $1,100 for every Canadian, and came with a staggering toll of 67,515 deaths, says a report released Tuesday.

http://www.ccdus.ca/Resource%20Library/CSUCH-Canadian-Substance-Use-Costs-Harms-News-Release-2018-en.pdf

The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction partnered with the Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research to examine the data and estimate the harms of substance use based on health, justice, lost productivity and other costs.

While researchers acknowledged that Canada is in the middle of a crisis because of illicit opioid overdose deaths, their study concluded that two-thirds of substance use costs are associated with alcohol and tobacco.

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/cost-of-substance-use-in-canada-tops-38-billion-with-booze-and-tobacco-on-top-1.3989126

 

TRC called for reforms to address needs of offenders with FASD, and for prevention to be made a priority

Russ Hilsher’s criminal record goes back more than a decade, to an assault charge in 2003. The 40-year-old has been in and out of jail for breaching conditions, other assaults and theft since.

On paper, Hilsher’s background tells a different story than the one the father of two talks about when he explains how he struggles to understand rules, laws and how to interact with police.

Originally from Ghost River, near the mouth of the Cheepay River in northeastern Ontario, Hilsher’s birth mother drank during her pregnancy. He was taken from her soon after and was diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder as a baby.

As a teenager he landed in a foster home in Winnipeg and struggled to adapt to city life. Hilsher often has a wide smile on his face, but his eyes take on a serious expression when he explains how he interprets the world differently. When Hilsher was younger, if he saw something on the street he would take it. He didn’t think it was theft.

Click below to the whole story…

http://www.cbc.ca/news/indigenous/without-screening-or-supports-offenders-with-fasd-face-revolving-door-of-justice-1.4536103

Please see below a summary of this week’s legislative activities in regards to the FASD file:

Tuesday, December 12^th

1. Member Statement on my Private Member’s Bill concerning FASD and Education

Link to Hansard, under subsection “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder”

http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/house_detail.do?Date=2017-12-12&Parl=41&Sess=2&locale=en

Link to video: https://youtu.be/ahRU7tEBWOs

Wednesday, December 13^th

1. Member Statement on my Private Member’s Motion on FASD

Link to Hansard, under subsection “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder”

http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/house_detail.do?Date=2017-12-14&Parl=41&Sess=2&locale=en

Link to video: https://youtu.be/Oq_3gQdiUe4

2. Tabled Private Member’s Bill (see attachment entitled, Education Act (FASD)

*this PMB was not debated

Thursday, December 14^th

1. Debate on my Motion to Recognize Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day in Ontario

http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/house-proceedings/house_detail.do?Date=2017-12-12&Parl=41&Sess=2&locale=en

Link to video: https://youtu.be/Oq_3gQdiUe4

 

In the last decade alcohol marketing to women has exploded and as a result more women are drinking above the Low Risk Alcohol Guidelines.http://www.ccsa.ca/Resource%20Library/2012-Canada-Low-Risk-Alcohol-Drinking-Guidelines-Brochure-en.pdf.  According to a 2014 study by Public Health Ontario only 17% of Ontarians who drink alcohol had ever heard of the Low Risk Alcohol Guidelines https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/eRepository/Alcohol_Infographics_LRDG.pdf

Statistics Canada also found that the proportion of teen girls and women who reported heavy drinking increased from 8.3 per cent in 2001 to 13.2 per cent in 2014.  Heavy drinking  or binge drinking is defined as consuming 4 or more drinks on one occasion.  Binge drinking by pregnant women has been shown in the literature to cause damage to the baby.  About 40-50% of pregnancies are unplanned.  If more women are binge drinking and many pregnancies are unplanned more babies will be exposed to alcohol in pregnancy with the potential of  increasing the chances of brain damage or FASD.

http://www.ctvnews.ca/health/wine-festival-for-moms-sparks-firestorm-over-drinking-culture-1.3593213

Subject: Message from the Minister of Health – International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day 2017
Date:     Tue, 12 Sep 2017 15:06
From:     The Prevention Conversation: A Shared Responsibility Project <comment-reply@wordpress.com>

New post on The Prevention Conversation: A Shared Responsibility Project

Message from the Minister of Health – International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day 2017
by edmontonfetalalcoholnetwork

 

From Public Health Agency of Canada

International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day is marked annually on September 9 to raise awareness about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and about the challenges that individuals with FASD and their families face.

FASD is a brain injury that can occur when an unborn baby is exposed to alcohol in the womb and the result is a lifelong disorder with effects that include physical, mental and behavioural disabilities. FASD is the leading known cause of preventable developmental disabilities among Canadians.

Children and adults living with FASD, often encounter a great deal of stigma and judgement. This stigma can keep women from openly discussing alcohol consumption with their health care providers, preventing them from accessing the programs, services, and supports they need.

Many factors can contribute to FASD, and there is no single solution to preventing it. That is why the Government of Canada is partnering with provincial and territorial governments, communities, Indigenous organizations and experts to support a variety of education and prevention initiatives.

For example, we are funding five projects that focus on developing knowledge and skills among health professionals on how to screen, counsel and discuss alcohol use with girls and women. The goal of these projects is to help prevent alcohol use during pregnancy and to promote behaviours that set the conditions for lifelong health. We are also supporting the Kids’ Brain Health Network to provide health care professionals, policy makers, caregivers and families with tools and information to promote earlier diagnosis, better treatment and optimal outcomes for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including FASD.

In order to increase awareness of FASD among First Nations and Inuit communities, as well as educate front-line workers, our government is also developing culturally appropriate prevention and intervention programs that educate and raise awareness about the impacts of FASD. We  are also exploring opportunities to advance the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action #33 and #34 related to FASD by working in collaboration with Indigenous people to implement preventive programs that can be delivered in a culturally appropriate manner.

By working together, we can encourage  healthy pregnancies and support those living with FASD. This month, learn more about FASD prevention and join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag #FASD.

Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health

http://www.children.gov.on.ca/htdocs/English/specialneeds/fasd/index.aspx

IN THE NEWS

• September 8, 2017
  Letter from Parliamentary Assistant Sophie Kiwala regarding International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day

• July 13, 2017
  Letter from Parliamentary Assistant Sophie Kiwala regarding the Ontario government’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Strategy

Ontario is investing $26 million over four years to expand support for children, youth and families affected by FASD. To increase awareness of FASD, and how it can be prevented, Ontario is supporting six initiatives that will:

• Create one-stop access to information/training resources;
• Provide funding for over 50 FASD workers to support approximately 2,500 Ontarians with FASD;
• Support parent support networks;
• Increase access to FASD initiatives developed by Indigenous partners;
• Establish a consultation group to provide advice and feedback to inform implementation planning and prioritization of efforts; and
• Create a research fund to learn more about FASD, and how to prevent it.

“…The 16-year-old Timmins resident has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and sits on the FASD Awareness Cochrane-Timmins committee…”

http://www.timminspress.com/2017/09/10/teen-advocate-with-fasd-shares-her-story
Timmins Press
NEWS LOCAL

Teen advocate with FASD shares her story
By Emma Meldrum
Sunday, September 10, 2017 7:01:06 EDT PM

[Photo] Amanda Mollins Koene greets people as they enter Hollinger Park for FASD Awareness Day on Saturday.

TIMMINS – Amanda Mollins Koene is an FASD expert, inside and out.

The 16-year-old Timmins resident has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, and sits on the FASD Awareness Cochrane-Timmins committee.

“Two and a half years ago I got an official diagnosis,” said Mollins Koene on Saturday, FASD Awareness Day. “It means that sometimes I have trouble controlling my impulses.”

The teen greeted people who stopped by the afternoon’s activities held at Hollinger Park on Saturday. She’s made several speeches about the disorder, and runs a Facebook page dedicated to educating people about it.

“Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a disorder that happens when a pregnant mom drinks alcohol. There are facial features, but they only happen within a specific time,” she said.

Mollins Koene said her parents often act as her “external brain.”

“They help me make the right choices, guide me, and help me with that.”

She was adopted at the age of one, but harbours no ill will towards her birth mother.

“I’m not (angry). I can honestly say that if my birth mom came to my door, I’d welcome her. I can honestly say that, because something that sticks to me is a birth mom who cares enough to come and say, ‘I made a mistake.’”

The teen said that sometimes FASD is the result of a mistake – not harmful intent.

“It’s a bit frustrating, but also there’s the moms who don’t know they’re pregnant, and they drink, and there’s moms who are already addicted and can’t stop right like that.”

She said preventing the disorder is simple.

“There’s one thing you have to do: don’t drink alcohol during pregnancy. That’s the only thing you have to do to not get it.”

Her parents, Lyndsay and Job Mollins Koene, said they’re proud of their daughter.

“We’re incredibly proud, and always have been. Amanda is a great researcher, from very early on, she won a couple of science fair competitions here in our city talking about FASD,” said Lyndsay Mollins Koene.

“Amanda is very impulsive, and she’ll tell you that. So whether it’s a spending moment…or a decision-making moment, Amanda sometimes needs someone there next to her, not saying do this, do that, but instead saying, ‘what do you think, what would happen if,’ and pointing out the consequences of one direction or the other,” said her mother.

“She’s a great advocate for anyone working with FASD,” she said.

The Mollins Koene family spent the day at the park, where kids strolled from one activity table to another, and volunteers cooked a barbecued lunch. The end goal was to educate more people about the disorder. The young advocate said it’s a great start.

“It feels great to see so many people here, so many people wanting to learn, so many people asking questions. I like to see that.”

She’d like to see people learning more every day, however. The FACT committee also organized a booth at Welcome to Timmins Night last week, and Mollins Koene will continue to speak about the disorder at events throughout the city.