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Association of Adverse Childhood Experiences and Neurodevelopmental Disorders in People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and non-FASD Controls [bmcpediatr.biomedcentral.com]

 

By Cassondra Kambeitz, Marilyn G. Klug, Jacob Greenmyer, et al., BMC Pediatrics, December 16, 2019

Background
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a highly prevalent lifelong disorder with high rates of comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals with FASD are often exposed to abuse, neglect and foster home placements which have uncertain effects on the lifelong course of FASD. In this study we compare the prevalence of adverse childhood events (ACEs) and neurodevelopmental disorders in subjects with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and non-FASD controls.

Methods
A cross-sectional chart review of patients referred to a regional developmental center was used to identify people with FASD and non-FASD controls. We recorded the number of ACEs and neurodevelopmental disorders in each patient’s chart. The most common diagnoses were attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, comprehension deficits, sleep disorders, and cognitive impairments. T-tests and a regression equation were utilized to determine significant differences between the groups.

Results
The review identified 203 subjects, 98 with FASD and 105 non-FASD controls. Group mean age was 8.6 years and 64.5% were male. People with FASD were more likely to have any ACEs (mean 5.3) with ACE scores 3.7 points higher than non-FASD controls (mean 1.69) (t = 11.29; p < .001). Increased ACEs were associated with increased rates of neurodevelopmental disorders for people with FASD (R = .179, p = .026) but not for non-FASD controls (R = .130, p = .094).

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As an Independent Certified FASD Educator and Trainer (trained through UW-Madison's  School of Family & Public Health beginning 13 years and on-going) as well as the mother of a now young adult with ARND, I cannot thank you enough for bringing this to our group.  We can do so much for the children with FASD, which we now know from active case ascertainment studies in Midwestern middle classrooms, is the number one cause of developmental disability in North America, relatively easily avoid the secondary disabilities that prohibit these children from becoming contributing members of society, and significantly reduce the billions of dollars taxpayers contribute to house and punish these children and young adults in all the places they don't belong.  And while we're at it, let's reduce the stigma for birthmothers, so more of these families can be helped instead of blamed.  Thank You Again!

Looking for severe neglect in the first 2 months of life....that’s essential here.  
Think Rene Spitz https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iW3UHcYfCPI

And then there is the aspect noted that > 64 percent were boys and think of the vulnerability of the male brain to maternal emotional deprivation in infancy... 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=P451kiWSBic

This should prompt us to think seriously about the need to beef up the attachment relationships in infancy.  

Emotional Neglect is an ACE... The ACE that babies can’t report.  

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