Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of disabilities which may result from prenatal alcohol exposure. FASD is the leading cause of developmental disability in North America, yet little research has focused on long-term follow-up and management post-diagnosis. Initial research from the United States and Germany has found that adolescents with FASD experience a variety of negative life outcomes including problems with the law, school, mental health, and substance abuse, however no Canadian follow-up studies have been conducted to date. The objective of this study is to identify the long-term psychological, social, behavioural, academic and legal outcomes, as well as treatment needs of Canadian adolescents previously diagnosed with FASD. Adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18, who were previously diagnosed with FASD at the Motherisk Diagnostic Clinic, will be contacted for follow-up. Follow-up will occur between 4 and 7 years post-diagnosis. The long-term outcomes of FASD will be investigated using validated and reliable standardized questionnaires and semi-structured interviews administered by phone or by mail. Questionnaires will assess the adolescents' functioning across a variety of domains, as well as identify treatment needs. Interviews will be conducted to obtain data on the prevalence of adverse long-term outcomes such as academic disengagement, trouble with the law and sexual deviance. We will also collect information about accessibility and utilization of services. FASD is a huge public health concern. The results of this study will be critical for creating evidence-based recommendations for the development of mental heath interventions and outreach programs for Canadian youth with FASD. The results will provide insight into the gaps between established treatment needs and the actual interventions and services currently available.