Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) have emerged as a major phenomenon within the education, health, criminal justice and social care systems of many countries, with current prevalence figures suggesting that one in a hundred children and young people have FASDs. In this publication, academics, professionals and families from around the world have shared expertise and insights on FASDs. Their combined interdisciplinary perspective makes an invaluable contribution to how we understand and address the complex social, educational and health needs associated with this growing group of children and young people.Articulating fundamental knowledge, cutting edge initiatives and emerging trends in FASDs, this book provides an evidence base that will enable services to identify and respond to the need for action on FASDs. It recognises that families – natural, foster or adoptive – are at the heart of this process, and that their rich knowledge base, grounded in their lived experience, is crucial. Any education, social care, criminal justice or health professional working with children and young people with FASDs and their families will find this book a seminal and authoritative resource.

'In this book a growing and diverse literature is cleverly brought together by leaders in the field. It is well written and the novelty of the research reported and the approaches to understanding the real life challenges of FASD are compelling. This books makes one appreciate that FASD is a major concern for all professionals who deal with children and that we must keep up to date. It also provides a map of the available evidence for what can be done to help. It is relevant to, and a ‘must read’ for, all professionals who deal with children with complex neurodevelopmental needs, among whom will be some with FASD, and for professionals who can influence outcomes for the next generation of children.' - David Dossetor, Director of Mental Health, Sydney Children's Hospital Network'This book is highly recommended to social policy personnel, university educators or allied health professionals and frontline professionals in children’s services. This book can and will greatly enhance society’s knowledge and understanding of this devastating but preventable disability. In doing so, it is hoped that we may see these children and adults who are living with FASD within our social services provision and respond appropriately.' - Liam Curran, Certified FASD Educator'FASDs were something I knew very little about before picking up this book; I now feel that I have a much greater understanding of the wider problems associated with these conditions and their impact on a child's health, education and social and emotional development.' - Victoria Mason, Scondary School Communication Centre Teacher

Barry Carpenter OBE holds Honorary Professorships at the Universities of Worcester (UK), Limerick (Ireland), Hamburg (Germany) and Flinders (Australia). His original research on children with FASD stemmed from his time as a Fellow at the University of Oxford, UK.Carolyn Blackburn is a member of the early childhood research group and a Visiting Lecturer at Birmingham City University, UK, where she teaches on research practice, inclusion and diversity to early childhood students. Jo Egerton is a Research Project Co-ordinator for SSAT (The Schools Network) Ltd and Lead Research Coach for their Research Charter Mark Award.