Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (2006)

Description

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a term describing a spectrum (range) of disorders. FASD can lead to a lifetime of disability which impacts on a persons health and wellbeing. The right screening and diagnosis plan, together with ongoing care can make an enormous difference to the life of the person with the disorder. While FASD is not curable, it is completely preventable. Prevention strategies (plans) need to focus on education and early intervention, and involve health professionals as well as education, housing, justice and other community services.

This DVD discusses the prevention, diagnosis, early intervention and long-term management and support for sufferers of FASD and their families. Two location-based case studies illustrate the difficulties and responsibilities for a child with a diagnosis of FASD.

Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet abstract

When to use this resource

This DVD is useful for health professionals and health and community services working with Indigenous communities. It can help them and the community to: identify the disorder; develop community-based strategies that support young women and teenagers through education about FASD which focus on managing alcohol programs; understand the issues for ongoing management and support for a child with FASD. This resource is not Indigenous specific.

Contact details

Rural Health Education Foundation
Ph: (02) 6232 5480
Fax: (02) 6232 5484
Email: rhef@rhef.com.au

Canberra head office
Rural Health Education Foundation
Unit 17K, 2 King Street
Deakin ACT 2600
PO Box 324
Curtin ACT 2605

Sydney office
Rural Health Education Foundation
Ground floor
810 Pacific Highway
PO Box 62
Gordon NSW 2072

Links

• View information: Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder [DVD]
• View website: Rural Health Education Foundation

---