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. 2008 Mar;13(3):185-91.

Neurobehavioural outcomes of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A Canadian perspective

Carmen Rasmussen  1 , Gail Andrew, Lonnie Zwaigenbaum, Suzanne Tough
Affiliations

Neurobehavioural outcomes of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A Canadian perspective

Carmen Rasmussen et al. Paediatr Child Health. 2008 Mar.

Abstract
in English, French

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one of the most common preventable causes of developmental disability and is currently one of the most pressing public health concerns in Canada. FASD refers to the range of physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities that an individual may acquire as a result of maternal alcohol consumption. Prenatal exposure to alcohol leads to numerous primary and secondary disabilities in affected children, which can result in poor long-term outcomes. The present paper reviews previous research on the neurobehavioural outcomes of children with FASD, particularly in terms of behavioural, mental health and adaptive outcomes. The role of risk and protective factors on these outcomes and the impact of FASD on the family are also examined. Finally, future directions and implications regarding outcomes research among children with FASD, particularly within a Canadian context, are discussed.

L’ensemble des troubles de l’alcoolisation fœtale (ETAF) est l’une des causes évitables d’invalidité les plus courantes, et c’est l’un des problèmes de santé publique les plus urgents au Canada. L’ETAF désigne l’ensemble des invalidités physiques, mentales, comportementales et d’apprentissage dont une personne peut être atteinte à cause de la consommation d’alcool de sa mère pendant la grossesse. L’exposition prénatale à l’alcool provoque de nombreuses invalidités primaires et secondaires chez les enfants atteints, ce qui peut s’associer à une évolution négative à long terme. Le présent article analyse les recherches passées sur l’évolution neurodéveloppementale des enfants atteints de l’ETAF, notamment du point de vue comportemental, intellectuel et adaptatif. Les auteurs s’intéressent également au rôle des facteurs de risque et des facteurs protecteurs sur cette évolution et aux répercussions de l’ETAF sur la famille. Enfin, ils abordent les orientations futures et leurs effets sur les recherches en matière d’issues chez les enfants atteints de l’ETAF, surtout dans le contexte canadien.

Keywords: Children; Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder; Neurobehavioural; Outcome.

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