FAS, FASD: DIAGNOSIS AND MYTHS
Main Article Content
Keywords
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, diagnosis phenotypes, I.Q., facial f eatures, expert witness
Abstract
The myth that fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD ) causes confusion and erroneous conclusions. It is not just a matter of semantics. In a recent appeal case the expert witness for the crown stated that the appellant was not severely affected since he did not have the facial features. When such an erroneous statement is accepted as fact and incorporated into the legal system it becomes an obstruction in the pursuit of justice.
References
1. http://www.greekmedicine.net/diagnosis/ introduction.htm
2. Streissguth AP. The Occurrence of Secondary Disabilities in Clients with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [FAS] and Fetal Alcohol Effects [FAE]. Final Report. University of Washington School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences. 1996.
3. Astley SJ. Profile of the first 1,400 patients receiving diagnostic evaluations for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder at the Washington State Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic & Prevention Network. Can J Clin Pharmacol 2010;Winter(17):e134- e164.
4. Deans AR, et al. Finding our way through phenotypes. PLOS: BIOLOGY. January 6, 2015. DOJ:10.1371/journal pbio 1002033.
5. R. v. Manitowabi, 2014 ONCA 301.
2. Streissguth AP. The Occurrence of Secondary Disabilities in Clients with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [FAS] and Fetal Alcohol Effects [FAE]. Final Report. University of Washington School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences. 1996.
3. Astley SJ. Profile of the first 1,400 patients receiving diagnostic evaluations for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder at the Washington State Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic & Prevention Network. Can J Clin Pharmacol 2010;Winter(17):e134- e164.
4. Deans AR, et al. Finding our way through phenotypes. PLOS: BIOLOGY. January 6, 2015. DOJ:10.1371/journal pbio 1002033.
5. R. v. Manitowabi, 2014 ONCA 301.