1
|
Stagnone NH, Thorne JC, Mattson JT, Kover ST. Executive and Social Functioning in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Comparison to Autism. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2025; 130:209-227. [PMID: 40288776 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-130.3.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
Executive function is an area of challenge for both children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Parent ratings of everyday executive function relate to a range of outcomes, including social functioning in ASD. Comparisons between FASD and ASD have revealed both overlapping and distinct skills, but have not addressed executive function or its relation to social function. Utilizing parent report, the current study addressed relative strengths and weaknesses across scales of everyday executive function, as well as group differences between FASD and ASD. The association between executive function and social function was also evaluated. Participants with FASD (n = 23) and ASD (n = 18) were preschool and school-age children whose caregivers completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF, BRIEF-2, or BRIEF-P) and the Social Responsiveness Scale, Second Edition. For both groups and all examined executive function scales, scores exceeded the normative mean, indicating challenges. The groups differed significantly on only one executive function scale: working memory. In both groups, executive function was positively correlated with social functioning, even when controlling for nonverbal IQ. The current findings highlight an overlapping association between executive function and social function in FASD and ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie H Stagnone
- Natalie H. Stagnone, John C. Thorne, Julia T. Mattson, and Sara T. Kover, University of Washington
| | - John C Thorne
- Natalie H. Stagnone, John C. Thorne, Julia T. Mattson, and Sara T. Kover, University of Washington
| | - Julia T Mattson
- Natalie H. Stagnone, John C. Thorne, Julia T. Mattson, and Sara T. Kover, University of Washington
| | - Sara T Kover
- Natalie H. Stagnone, John C. Thorne, Julia T. Mattson, and Sara T. Kover, University of Washington
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Akison LK, Hayes N, Vanderpeet C, Logan J, Munn Z, Middleton P, Moritz KM, Reid N. Prenatal alcohol exposure and associations with physical size, dysmorphology and neurodevelopment: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Med 2024; 22:467. [PMID: 39407296 PMCID: PMC11477020 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03656-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a significant public health concern, yet there is no internationally agreed set of diagnostic criteria or summary of underlying evidence to inform diagnostic decision-making. This systematic review assesses associations of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and outcomes of diagnostic assessments, providing an evidence base for the improvement of FASD diagnostic criteria. METHODS Six databases were searched (inception-February 2023). Case-controls or cohort studies examining associations between participants with/without PAE or a FASD diagnosis and the domains of physical size, dysmorphology, functional neurodevelopment and/or brain structure/neurology were included. Excluded studies were non-empirical, sample size < 10, PAE determined via biological markers only, or no suitable comparison group. Summary data were extracted and associations between outcomes and standardised levels of PAE or FASD diagnosis determined using random-effects meta-analyses. Certainty of the evidence was assessed using GRADE. RESULTS Of the 306 included studies, 106 reported physical size, 43 dysmorphology, 195 functional neurodevelopment and 110 structural/neurological outcomes, with 292 different outcomes examined. There was a dose-response relationship between PAE and head circumference, as well as measures of physical size, particularly at birth. There was also an association between higher PAE levels and characteristic sentinel facial dysmorphology, as well as many of the current functional neurodevelopmental outcomes considered during diagnosis. However, data were often lacking across the full range of exposures. There was a lack of evidence from studies examining PAE to support inclusion of non-sentinel dysmorphic features, social cognition, speech-sound impairments, neurological conditions, seizures, sensory processing or structural brain abnormalities (via clinical MRI) in diagnostic criteria. GRADE ratings ranged from very low to moderate certainty of evidence. CONCLUSIONS This comprehensive review provides guidance on which components are most useful to consider in the diagnostic criteria for FASD. It also highlights numerous gaps in the available evidence. Future well-designed pregnancy cohort studies should specifically focus on dose-response relationships between PAE and dysmorphology, neurodevelopment and brain structure/neurological outcomes. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO: CRD42021230522.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa K Akison
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicole Hayes
- School of Early Childhood and Inclusive Education, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Chelsea Vanderpeet
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, 4121, Australia
| | - Jayden Logan
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, 4121, Australia
| | - Zachary Munn
- Health Evidence Synthesis, Recommendations, and Impact (HESRI), School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Philippa Middleton
- SAHMRI Women and Kids, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Karen M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Natasha Reid
- Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Brisbane, QLD, 4121, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sobolewski CM, Courchesne-Krak NS, Hyland MT, Bernes GA, Veziris CR, Wozniak JR, Mattson SN. Adaptive, Externalizing, and Internalizing Behavior of Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Comparison of Three Parent-Report Questionnaires. Dev Neuropsychol 2024; 49:167-177. [PMID: 38742629 PMCID: PMC11166041 DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2024.2351796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
This study compared the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Third Edition (BASC-3) to the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-Third Edition (VABS-3) in children with and without histories of prenatal alcohol exposure. Data were collected from Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Phase 4 sites. Caregivers rated their child's behavior using three questionnaires: BASC-3, CBCL, and VABS-3. BASC-3 Adaptive Skills, Externalizing Problems, and Internalizing Problems scores were correlated with comparable scores from the CBCL (Externalizing and Internalizing Problems) and VABS-3 (Adaptive Skills) both within and across groups. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were calculated for the BASC-3. BASC-3 sensitivity rates were 78.1%, 80.5%, and 47.0% and specificity rates were 79.4%, 80.4%, and 81.5% for Adaptive Skills, Externalizing Problems, and Internalizing Problems, respectively. Positive predictive values were 87.1%, 88.0%, and 81.9% and negative predictive values were 67.0%, 69.8%, and 46.3% for Adaptive Skills, Externalizing Problems, and Internalizing Problems, respectively. Results replicated previous reports of behavioral and adaptive difficulties in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. These findings provide support for using the BASC-3 in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe M. Sobolewski
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | | - Matthew T. Hyland
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | - Gemma A. Bernes
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | - Christina R. Veziris
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | | - Sarah N. Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cesari A, Galeoto G, Panuccio F, Simeon R, Berardi A. Evaluation instruments for executive functions in children and adolescents: an update of a systematic review. Expert Rev Pharmacoecon Outcomes Res 2024; 24:487-508. [PMID: 38294492 DOI: 10.1080/14737167.2024.2311872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study is to update a systematic review of instruments for evaluating the executive functions (EFs) in a pediatric population to assess their measurement properties. AREA COVERED Studies describing evaluation tools of EFs were systematically searched on four electronic databases: PubMed, EBSCO, Scopus, and Web of Science. To be included studies had to be on a population aged 0 to 18 were included. The individuals were either healthy or presented a neurodevelopment disorder. Risk of Bias was evaluated through the Consensus-based Standards to select the health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). EXPERT OPINION The search was conducted on April 2023. Eighty-four papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in the study; the studies refer to 72 different evaluation tools of EFs. Most of the studies analyzed through a methodological quality analysis received an 'adequate' score. The instrument most mentioned was the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2 (BRIEF2) in seven articles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Cesari
- School of Occupational Therapy, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Galeoto
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | | | - Rachele Simeon
- School of Occupational Therapy, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Berardi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bucaille A, Jarry C, Allard J, Brosseau-Beauvir A, Ropars J, Brochard S, Peudenier S, Roy A. Intelligence and Executive Functions: A Comprehensive Assessment of Intellectually Gifted Children. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2023; 38:1035-1046. [PMID: 36852774 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acad021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Executive functions (EFs) play a key role in cognitive and behavioral functioning. Their multiple forms and implications for daily life behaviors mean they are sometimes equated with intelligence. Several elements even suggest that intellectually gifted children (IGC) may present better executive functioning than typical developing children (TDC, children with intelligence in the average range). However, no study has ever completely tested this hypothesis by a comprehensive assessment of EFs in IGC. METHOD Results of 30 IGC and 35 TDC aged from 6 to 16 years old were compared through a comprehensive assessment of EFs (inhibition, flexibility, and planning), comprising performance-based and daily life measures. RESULTS IGC did not differ from TDC in EF performance-based measures. However, they scored higher in parents' and some teachers' ratings, suggesting higher indicators of difficulties in daily life. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to expectations, high intellectual level does not appear to be associated with superior EFs. Surprisingly, parents and teachers of IGC reported more complaints about their executive functioning in everyday life. We put forward different hypotheses to explain this contrast. Further research is needed to better understand this phenomenon, in which neuropsychology has a fundamental role to play.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Bucaille
- Learning Disabilities Reference Center, Brest University Hospital, Brest Cedex, France
- Psychology Laboratory of the Pays de la Loire (EA 4638), University of Angers, Angers, France
| | - C Jarry
- Psychology Laboratory of the Pays de la Loire (EA 4638), University of Angers, Angers, France
| | - J Allard
- Coordination Platform for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Saint-Nazaire, France
| | - A Brosseau-Beauvir
- Learning Disabilities Reference Center, Brest University Hospital, Brest Cedex, France
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Department, ILDYS Foundation, Brest Cedex 2, France
| | - J Ropars
- Laboratory of Medical Information Processing (LaTIM), INSERM UMR 1101, Brest Cedex, France
- Pediatrics Department, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - S Brochard
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Department, ILDYS Foundation, Brest Cedex 2, France
- Laboratory of Medical Information Processing (LaTIM), INSERM UMR 1101, Brest Cedex, France
- Pediatric Rehabilitation Department, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - S Peudenier
- Learning Disabilities Reference Center, Brest University Hospital, Brest Cedex, France
- Pediatrics Department, Brest University Hospital, Brest, France
| | - A Roy
- Psychology Laboratory of the Pays de la Loire (EA 4638), University of Angers, Angers, France
- Learning Disabilities Reference Center, Nantes University Hospital, Nantes Cedex 1, France
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hyland MT, Courchesne-Krak NS, Bernes GA, Wozniak JR, Jones KL, Del Campo M, Riley EP, Mattson SN. Results of a screening tool for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:1560-1569. [PMID: 37328959 PMCID: PMC10724376 DOI: 10.1111/acer.15133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study assessed whether the outcome of a screening tool for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), the FASD-Tree, was associated with neuropsychological and behavioral outcomes. METHODS Data for this study were collected as part of the fourth phase of the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD-4). Participants (N = 175, 5 to 16 years) with or without histories of prenatal alcohol exposure were recruited from San Diego and Minneapolis. Each participant was screened using the FASD-Tree and administered a neuropsychological test battery; parents or guardians completed behavioral questionnaires. The FASD-Tree incorporates physical and behavioral measures and provides an outcome regarding the presence of FASD (FASD-Positive or FASD-Negative). Logistic regression was used to test whether the FASD-Tree outcome was associated with general cognitive ability, executive function, academic achievement, and behavior. Associations were tested in two groups: the whole sample and only correctly classified participants. RESULTS Results of the FASD-Tree were associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures. Participants classified as FASD-Positive were more likely than those classified as FASD-Negative to have a lower IQ score and exhibit poorer performance on measures of executive and academic functions. Behaviorally, participants classified as FASD-Positive were rated as having more behavior problems and adaptive difficulties. Similar relationships were found for all measures when including only participants correctly classified by the FASD-Tree screening tool. CONCLUSION Results from the FASD-Tree screening tool were associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures. Participants classified as FASD-Positive were more likely to have impairment in all domains tested. The results support the effectiveness of the FASD-Tree as a screening tool for use in clinical settings, providing an efficient and accurate way to identify patients in need of additional evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew T. Hyland
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | | - Gemma A. Bernes
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | | - Kenneth L. Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
| | - Miguel Del Campo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
| | - Edward P. Riley
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | - Sarah N. Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Keller KL, Pearce AL, Fuchs B, Hallisky K, Rolls BJ, Wilson SJ, Geier C, Rose EJ. Children with lower ratings of executive functions have a greater response to the portion size effect. Appetite 2023; 186:106569. [PMID: 37059397 PMCID: PMC10213140 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Deficits in executive functions (EFs), a set of cognitive processes related to self-regulation, are associated with the development of obesity. Prior studies from our group showed that lower food-cue related activation in brain regions implicated in self-regulation was related to a larger portion size effect. We tested the hypothesis that lower EFs in children would be positively related to the portion size effect. Healthy weight children aged 7-8 y (n = 88), who varied by maternal obesity status, participated in a prospective study. At baseline, the parent primarily in charge of feeding completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF2) to assess child EFs, including Behavioral (BRI), Emotional (ERI), and Cognitive (CRI) indices. At 4 baseline sessions, children consumed meals in which the portion sizes of foods (pasta, chicken nuggets, broccoli, and grapes) varied by visit (total meal weight of 769, 1011, 1256, or 1492g). Intake increased with increasing portions in a linear trajectory (p < 0.001). EFs moderated the portion size effect such that lower BRI (p = 0.003) and ERI (p = 0.006) were associated with steeper increases in intake as portions increased. As amount of food increased, children in the lowest functioning tertiles for BRI and ERI increased intake by 35% and 36%, respectively, compared to children in the higher tertiles. Increases in intake among children with lower EFs were for higher- but not lower-energy-dense foods. Thus, in healthy weight children who varied by obesity risk, lower parentally reported EFs were associated with a larger portion size effect, and these results were independent of child and parent weight status. Therefore, EFs may be target behaviors that could be strengthened to help children moderate excess intake in response to large portions of energy-dense foods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen L Keller
- Department of Nutritional Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; Social Science Research Institute, University Park, PA, USA; Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Alaina L Pearce
- Department of Nutritional Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; Social Science Research Institute, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Bari Fuchs
- Department of Nutritional Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Kyle Hallisky
- Department of Nutritional Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Barbara J Rolls
- Department of Nutritional Science, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Stephen J Wilson
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Charles Geier
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Emma J Rose
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Upreti D, Rouzer SK, Bowring A, Labbe E, Kumar R, Miranda RC, Mahnke AH. Microbiota and nutrition as risk and resiliency factors following prenatal alcohol exposure. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1182635. [PMID: 37397440 PMCID: PMC10308314 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1182635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol exposure in adulthood can result in inflammation, malnutrition, and altered gastroenteric microbiota, which may disrupt efficient nutrient extraction. Clinical and preclinical studies have documented convincingly that prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) also results in persistent inflammation and nutrition deficiencies, though research on the impact of PAE on the enteric microbiota is in its infancy. Importantly, other neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders, have been linked to gut microbiota dysbiosis. The combined evidence from alcohol exposure in adulthood and from other neurodevelopmental disorders supports the hypothesis that gut microbiota dysbiosis is likely an etiological feature that contributes to negative developmental, including neurodevelopmental, consequences of PAE and results in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Here, we highlight published data that support a role for gut microbiota in healthy development and explore the implication of these studies for the role of altered microbiota in the lifelong health consequences of PAE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Amanda H. Mahnke
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ikeda AS, Knopik VS, Bidwell LC, Parade SH, Goodman SH, Emory EK, Palmer RHC. A Review of Associations between Externalizing Behaviors and Prenatal Cannabis Exposure: Limitations & Future Directions. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10010017. [PMID: 35051059 PMCID: PMC8779620 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10010017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
In utero cannabis exposure can disrupt fetal development and increase risk for various behavioral disruptions, including hyperactivity, inattention, delinquent behaviors, and later substance abuse, among others. This review summarizes the findings from contemporary investigations linking prenatal cannabis exposure to the development of psychopathology and identifies the limitations within the literature, which constrain our interpretations and generalizability. These limitations include a lack of genetic/familial control for confounding and limited data examining real world products, the full range of cannabinoids, and motives for use specifically in pregnant women. Taken together, our review reveals the need to continue to improve upon study designs in order to allow researchers to accurately draw conclusions about the development of behavioral consequences of prenatal cannabis exposure. Findings from such studies would inform policy and practices regarding cannabis use during pregnancy and move the field toward developing a comprehensive teratogenic profile of cannabis similar to what is characterized in the prenatal alcohol and tobacco literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ami S. Ikeda
- Behavioral Genetics of Addiction Laboratory, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (S.H.G.); (E.K.E.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.I.); (R.H.C.P.)
| | - Valerie S. Knopik
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA;
| | - L. Cinnamon Bidwell
- Institute of Cognitive Science, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA;
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Stephanie H. Parade
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA;
- Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center, E.P. Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI 02915, USA
| | - Sherryl H. Goodman
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (S.H.G.); (E.K.E.)
| | - Eugene K. Emory
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (S.H.G.); (E.K.E.)
| | - Rohan H. C. Palmer
- Behavioral Genetics of Addiction Laboratory, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA; (S.H.G.); (E.K.E.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.I.); (R.H.C.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in North America. It is a complex disability, associated with challenges in cognitive, behavioural and socialemotional functioning, as well as an increased risk of physical and mental health comorbidities, and difficulties in daily living across the lifespan. Previous attempts to characterise the profile of this population have been hampered by differences in data collected across studies, regional discrepancies in terminology and definitions, and a lack of tools to integrate comprehensive datasets. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The goals of this study are to use the Canadian National FASD Database, a national repository of FASD assessment-related information, to better understand the functional profile, comorbidities, intervention needs and difficulties in daily living experienced by individuals assessed for FASD across the lifespan. We will also examine what factors may be the most sensitive predictors of receiving an FASD diagnosis. Data will be analysed from over 3500 records collected between 2010 and 2021 (ongoing) from 26 FASD diagnostic clinics in seven provinces and territories. Data collection is ongoing, and analysis will be performed on a biannual basis to continue to hone our understanding of the profiles, needs and outcomes of individuals assessed for FASD in Canada. This research is critical for refining FASD assessment and diagnostic practice, enabling accurate and early identification of individuals with FASD, and connecting individuals with FASD and their families to comprehensive and effective services and resources to support healthy developmental trajectories. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethics approval for the National FASD Database Project was obtained from the Ottawa Health Science Network Research Ethics Board. As new knowledge is gained from this project, findings will be disseminated through publications, presentations and feedback to participating clinics, with the ultimate goal of informing FASD research, practice and policy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jocelynn Cook
- Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathy Unsworth
- The Canada FASD Research Network, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gardiner E, Hutchison SM, McLachlan K, Rasmussen C, Pei J, Mâsse LC, Oberlander TF, Reynolds JN. Behavior regulation skills are associated with adaptive functioning in children and adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY-CHILD 2021; 11:691-701. [PMID: 34155949 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2021.1936528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) experience a range of adverse outcomes that impact multiple domains of functioning, including cognitive, physical, mental health, behavioral, social-emotional, communication, and learning. To inform tailored clinical intervention, the current study examined the relation between caregiver-reported cognitive skills (executive function; EF) and adaptive functioning. The study conducted a secondary analyses of data provided by caregivers of 87 children and adolescents (aged 5-18 years, M = 11.7; 52% male) with confirmed PAE, including a subset (n = 70) with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), who reported on their child's EF (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function) and adaptive function (Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, 2nd Edition) skills. Findings from the current study showed that caregivers reported significantly poorer EF and adaptive functioning skills for children with PAE as compared to normative samples. Poorer behavior regulation skills were associated with all aspects of adaptive functioning (i.e., practical, conceptual, and social skills). Specifically, shifting skills emerged as the best predictor of adaptive functioning among children with PAE. These results highlight the possibility that targeting particular EF domains among individuals with PAE may benefit behavior regulation, which may also extend to adaptive skills. This highlights the need to develop EF interventions for children and adolescents who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Gardiner
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Sarah M Hutchison
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | | | - Carmen Rasmussen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Pei
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Louise C Mâsse
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tim F Oberlander
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - James N Reynolds
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Queens University, Kingston, Canada
| |
Collapse
|