What you'll learn in this expert session
It has been suggested that as many as 2% of all Australian babies may be born with some form of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The effects of FASD vary considerably and it is sometimes referred to as the ‘invisible disability’ as it often goes undetected, whether it be overlooked, ignored, attributed to another known non-genetic condition or even simply blamed on ‘poor’ parenting or post birth environments. Dr Doug Shelton provides insight into this condition, addressing how FASD is common, chronic and expensive, but is also a disorder that is responsive to intervention and one that can be prevented with the correct measures.
Learning Objectives:
- Outline the variables involved in the development of FASD
- Discuss the prevalence of FASD in different groups of people
- Discuss the presentation of FASD in children and adults and its diagnosis
- Explain disabilities and comorbidities associated with FASD
- Understand the economic costs of FASD on the country's healthcare, education and justice systems
About the Expert
Dr Doug Shelton
Dr Doug Shelton is a paediatrician who has sub-specialised in community paediatrics and child development. He is the Medical Director for Children’s Health, Gold Coast Health which comprises community child health (providing community based child health nursing, school health and child development services) and the paediatric unit, Gold Coast University Hospital (providing acute inpatient and outpatient services). His current interests include fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), the leading cause of mental retardation and developmental disability in the Western world, indigenous child health and child development and learning problems. He was the recipient of a Churchill Fellowship in 2013-2014 to study FASD.
