Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: the importance of assessment, diagnosis and support in the Australian justice context

Natasha Reid; Natalie Kippin; Hayley Passmore; Amy Finlay-Jones

doi:10.1080/13218719.2020.1719375

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: the importance of assessment, diagnosis and support in the Australian justice context

Psychiatr Psychol Law. 2020 Feb 13;27(2):265-274. doi: 10.1080/13218719.2020.1719375. eCollection 2020.

Authors

Natasha Reid¹, Natalie Kippin², Hayley Passmore^{2

3}, Amy Finlay-Jones²

Affiliations

¹ Child Health Research Centre, Centre for Children's Health Research (CCHR), The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
² Telethon Kids Institute, Perth Children's Hospital, Perth, WA, Australia.
³ School of Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.

Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with life-long implications. Individuals with FASD can experience communication, cognitive, behavioural, social and emotional difficulties that impact their functional capacity. Due to these brain-based impairments, previous research suggests that individuals with FASD are over-represented in the justice system. The current article outlines how individuals with FASD may experience inequities within the justice system, why assessment, diagnosis and intervention is important, and the role of health and justice partnerships in promoting more equitable outcomes for justice-involved individuals with FASD. Increased resources and collaborations between health and justice professionals are required to enable the provision of neurodevelopmental assessments for all complex presentations, including FASD.

Keywords: assessment; diagnosis; fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; justice; neurodevelopmental impairments; support.