Improving Outcomes for Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: An Investigation of Self-Regulation as a Potential Mechanism of Change

Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a term used to indicate the range of conditions that can arise from prenatal exposure to alcohol. The pattern of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction is somewhat variable by individual, but often involves impairments in learning and memory, self-regulation (including executive functions), social communication, and adaptive skills. Additionally, children with FASD often experience significant behavioural difficulties that impact on their functioning at home, school, and in community settings. As a consequence, individuals with FASD are at a high-risk of experiencing secondary conditions, such as mental health problems, school disruption, and involvement with the criminal justice system, particularly as they enter adolescence. These neurocognitive difficulties, behaviour problems, and secondary conditions contribute to the high burden for families raising children with FASD. Therefore, caregivers of children with FASD often experience higher levels of stress and increased risk of parent-child relationship difficulties.