1
|
Jewell E, Dunleavy B, Faitakis M, Pun JW, Moss S, Pei J, Mela M, Flannigan K, Tremblay M, McLachlan K. Screening and identification of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in criminal legal settings: A realist review. CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR AND MENTAL HEALTH : CBMH 2024; 34:208-270. [PMID: 38660916 DOI: 10.1002/cbm.2336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has been identified as a promising approach to improve recognition, understanding and effective response to the unique needs of those with FASD in criminal legal settings. However, to date, there has been limited synthesis of relevant screening tools, indicators, or implementation considerations in this context. AIMS The present review aimed to synthesise evidence and develop a conceptual framework for understanding how, when, why, for whom and by whom FASD screening tools, items and/or indicators and characteristics serve to accurately identify people with FASD in criminal legal contexts, with consideration of individual and system needs relevant to effective implementation and response. METHODS A preregistered search was conducted using a modified realist review framework for both peer-reviewed articles and grey literature. Included sources were available in English, which focused on individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure and/or FASD with criminal legal involvement and offered new empirical evidence. Sources were reviewed using the Quality Control Tool for Screening Titles and Abstracts by Second Reviewer framework, extracted using a structured coding form and narratively synthesised. RESULTS The search yielded 52 sources, 11 FASD screening tools designed for or applied in criminal legal settings and 38 potential FASD indicators or characteristics relevant to identifying people who may have FASD in criminal legal settings, organised into six conceptually related domains. There was limited evidence supporting the psychometric properties of screening tools across populations or settings, though growing evidence highlights the promise of some instruments. Although few studies characterised potential considerations to be made when implementing a screening tool or approach, both system and individual level needs related to recognising and effectively responding to FASD in criminal legal contexts were identified, and findings revealed strong support among legal and clinical professionals regarding the need for FASD screening in these settings. CONCLUSIONS Findings of this review can be used to inform the development, selection, implementation and evaluation of FASD screening tools in criminal legal settings and underscore a continued need for enhanced resources, policy and cross-sectoral response to better support the needs of people with FASD in the criminal legal contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Jewell
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Canada FASD Research Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Bianka Dunleavy
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martina Faitakis
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica W Pun
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah Moss
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Mansfield Mela
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | | | | | - Kaitlyn McLachlan
- Department of Psychology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rockhold MN, Gimbel BA, Richardson AA, Kautz-Turnbull C, Speybroeck EL, de Water E, Myers J, Hargrove E, May M, Abdi SS, Petrenko CLM. Racial and ethnic disparities in psychological care for individuals with FASD: a dis/ability studies and critical race theory perspective toward improving prevention, assessment/diagnosis, and intervention. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1355802. [PMID: 38544727 PMCID: PMC10965703 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1355802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are among the most common neurodevelopmental disorders and substantially impact public health. FASD can affect people of all races and ethnicities; however, there are important racial and ethnic disparities in alcohol-exposed pregnancy prevention, assessment and diagnosis of FASD, and interventions to support individuals with FASD and their families. In this article we use the Dis/Ability Studies and Critical Race Theory (Dis/Crit) framework to structure the exploration of disparities and possible solutions within these three areas (prevention, diagnosis, intervention). Dis/Crit provides a guide to understanding the intersection of dis/ability and race, while framing both as social constructs. Following the Dis/Crit framework, the systemic, historical, and contemporary racism and ableism present in psychological care is further discussed. We aim to elucidate these racial and ethnic disparities within the fields of psychology and neuropsychology through the Dis/Crit framework and provide potential points of action to reduce these disparities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Blake A. Gimbel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | | | | - Emily L. Speybroeck
- Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Erik de Water
- Great Lakes Neurobehavioral Center, Edina, MN, United States
| | - Julianne Myers
- Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Emily Hargrove
- International Adult Leadership Collaborative of FASD Changemakers
| | - Maggie May
- International Adult Leadership Collaborative of FASD Changemakers
| | - Samia S. Abdi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fleming L, Sheridan C, Waite D, Klug MG, Burd L. Screening for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in infants and young children. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:11125. [PMID: 38389826 PMCID: PMC10880768 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.11125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: With an estimated prevalence of up to five percent in the general population, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are the most common neurodevelopmental disorder and more prevalent than autism. Early identification and subsequent early intervention have the potential to improve developmental trajectory of children with FASD. In addition, new research suggests supplementation with choline may ameliorate the developmental impairments associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Availability of a screening tool with acceptable epidemiologic performance criteria may be clinical useful in identification of young children at increased risk for FASD. In this paper we describe the Early Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Screening Test (E-FAST) to identify young children at increased risk for an FASD. Methods: We developed the E-FAST dataset from previously published studies, comprised of 281 children under 5 years of age, 180 (64.1%) were diagnosed with FASD and 101 (35.9%) were non-FASD. Analysis: The analysis identified seven useful variables (prenatal alcohol exposure, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), foster care or adopted, small OFC (occipital frontal circumference), communication impairments, impaired social skills, and cognitive deficits. All variables were categorized as yes/no for ease of use in a screening tool. Risk ratios for each of the seven indicators were estimated using two-way table analyses. Weights for each variable were estimated based on the relative strength of their odds ratios. Results: The average age was 2.7 years of age (S.D. 1.29) and ranged from infant (6.4%) to 4 years old (35.9%). Maternal alcohol use alone had a sensitivity of 0.97, specificity 0.65, and accuracy 0.86. For the combined seven variables, sensitivity was 0.94, specificity 0.74, and accuracy 0.87. Thus, the seven-item E-FAST screen had acceptable epidemiologic screening characteristics. Discussion: In the United States, up to 547 infants with FASD are born each day which far exceeds the capacity of multidisciplinary diagnostic clinics. During routine clinical management of infants and young children the use of an evidence-based screening tool provides a time efficient means to exclude large numbers of young children from further follow-up for FASD. Conversely, a positive screen identifies a smaller number of children at increased risk for FASD requiring more intensive evaluation and follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Fleming
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Connor Sheridan
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Douglas Waite
- Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics, BronxCare Health System, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Marilyn G Klug
- Department of Population Health, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Larry Burd
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Glass L, Moore EM, Mattson SN. Current considerations for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: identification to intervention. Curr Opin Psychiatry 2023; 36:249-256. [PMID: 36939372 PMCID: PMC10079626 DOI: 10.1097/yco.0000000000000862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights recent findings regarding the prevalence, public health impact, clinical presentation, intervention access and conceptualization of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Despite ongoing work in prevention and identification of this population, the rates of drinking during pregnancy have increased and significant gaps remain in diagnosis and intervention. RECENT FINDINGS Prenatal alcohol exposure is the most common preventable cause of developmental disability in the world. Research has focused on improving diagnostic clarity, utilizing technology and neuroimaging to facilitate identification, engaging broader stakeholders (including self-advocates) to inform understanding and needs, and increasing access to effective interventions. There is an emerging focus on developmental trajectories and experiences in young and middle adulthood. Public policy advocacy has also made great strides in recent years. SUMMARY Increases in public awareness, greater concordance of diagnostic schema, leveraged use of novel technology, and the development of targeted interventions within a holistic, strengths-based conceptualization are important considerations for this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leila Glass
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
- University of California, Los Angeles Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Eileen M. Moore
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| | - Sarah N. Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Waite D, Burd L. Common developmental trajectories and clinical identification of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A synthesis of the literature. ADVANCES IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL RESEARCH 2023; 3:10877. [PMID: 38389815 PMCID: PMC10880764 DOI: 10.3389/adar.2023.10877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
At an estimated prevalence of up to five percent in the general population, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are the most common neurodevelopmental disorder, at least if not more prevalent than autism (2.3%). Despite this prevalence in the general population, pediatricians and other developmental specialists have thus far failed to diagnose this disability, leaving most children and adults without the supports provided for most other disabilities. This paper will provide a review of clinically relevant literature that describes the developmental challenges of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and addresses similarities to and differences of FASD from other neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. A subsequent discussion will describe how a diagnosis of an FASD can establish a basis for understanding the developmental and behavioral challenges of children with an FASD, and how specific interventions can help support child development and maximize adult independence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Waite
- Developmental Pediatrics, Bronxcare Health System, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Larry Burd
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mattson SN, Jones KL, Chockalingam G, Wozniak JR, Hyland MT, Courchesne-Krak NS, Del Campo M, Riley EP. Validation of the FASD-Tree as a screening tool for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:263-272. [PMID: 36807293 PMCID: PMC9992228 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As many as 80% of individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are misdiagnosed or not diagnosed. This study tests the accuracy and validity of a web-based screening tool (the FASD-Tree) for identifying children and adolescents with FASD. METHODS Children with histories of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and controls (N = 302, including 224 with PAE and 78 controls) were examined for physical signs of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), and parents completed behavioral questionnaires. Data were entered into the FASD-Tree, a web-based decision tree application. The FASD-Tree provided two outcomes: a dichotomous indicator (yes/no) and a numeric risk score (0 to 5), which have been shown separately to identify children with PAE and neurobehavioral impairment and to correlate with neurobehavioral outcomes. Overall accuracy (ACC), sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for the decision tree, risk score, and their combination. Misclassified cases were examined for systematic bias. RESULTS The FASD-Tree was successful in accurately identifying youth with histories of PAE and the subgroup of individuals with FASD, indicating its validity as an FASD screening tool. Overall accuracy rates for FASD-Tree components ranged from 75.0% to 84.1%, and both the decision tree outcome and risk score, and their combination, resulted in fair to good discrimination (area under the curve = 0.722 to 0.862) of youth with histories of PAE or FASD. While most participants were correctly classified, those who were misclassified differed in IQ and attention. Race, ethnicity, and sex did not affect the results. CONCLUSION The FASD-Tree is not a biomarker of PAE and does not provide definitive evidence of prenatal alcohol exposure. Rather it is an accurate and valid screening tool for FASD and can be used by clinicians who suspect that a patient has a history of PAE, even if the exposure is unknown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N. Mattson
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | - Kenneth Lyons Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
| | - Ganz Chockalingam
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
- Blue Resonance, LLC
| | | | - Matthew T. Hyland
- Center for Behavioral Teratology and Department of Psychology, San Diego State University
| | | | - 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
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Yan F, Simon L, Suzuki A, Iwaya C, Jia P, Iwata J, Zhao Z. Spatiotemporal MicroRNA-Gene Expression Network Related to Orofacial Clefts. J Dent Res 2022; 101:1398-1407. [PMID: 35774010 PMCID: PMC9516630 DOI: 10.1177/00220345221105816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Craniofacial structures change dynamically in morphology during development through the coordinated regulation of various cellular molecules. However, it remains unclear how these complex mechanisms are regulated in a spatiotemporal manner. Here we applied natural cubic splines to model gene and microRNA (miRNA) expression from embryonic day (E) 10.5 to E14.5 in the proximal and distal regions of the maxillary processes to identify spatiotemporal patterns of gene and miRNA expression, followed by constructing corresponding regulatory networks. Three major groups of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 3,927 temporal, 314 spatial, and 494 spatiotemporal DEGs. Unsupervised clustering further resolved these spatiotemporal DEGs into 8 clusters with distinct expression patterns. Interestingly, we found 2 clusters of differentially expressed miRNAs: 1 had 80 miRNAs monotonically decreasing and the other had 97 increasing across developmental stages. To evaluate the phenotypic relevance of these DEGs during craniofacial development, we integrated data from the CleftGeneDB database and constructed the regulatory networks of genes related to orofacial clefts. Our analysis revealed 2 hub miRNAs, mmu-miR-325-3p and mmu-miR-384-5p, that repressed cleft-related genes Adamts3, Runx2, Fgfr2, Acvr1, and Edn2, while their expression increased over time. On the contrary, 2 hub miRNAs, mmu-miR-218-5p and mmu-miR-338-5p, repressed cleft-related genes Pbx2, Ermp1, Snai1, Tbx2, and Bmi1, while their expression decreased over time. Our experiments indicated that these miRNA mimics significantly inhibited cell proliferation in mouse embryonic palatal mesenchymal (MEPM) cells and O9-1 cells through the regulation of genes associated with cleft palate and validated the role of our regulatory networks in orofacial clefts. To facilitate interactive exploration of these data, we developed a user-friendly web tool to visualize the gene and miRNA expression patterns across developmental stages, as well as the regulatory networks (https://fyan.shinyapps.io/facebase_shiny/). Taken together, our results provide a valuable resource that serves as a reference map for future research in craniofacial development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F. Yan
- Center for Precision Health, School of
Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston,
TX, USA
| | - L.M. Simon
- Therapeutic Innovation Center, Baylor College
of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A. Suzuki
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical
Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston,
Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Craniofacial Research, The
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - C. Iwaya
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical
Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston,
Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Craniofacial Research, The
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - P. Jia
- Center for Precision Health, School of
Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston,
TX, USA
| | - J. Iwata
- Department of Diagnostic and Biomedical
Sciences, School of Dentistry, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston,
Houston, TX, USA
- Center for Craniofacial Research, The
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate
School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Z. Zhao
- Center for Precision Health, School of
Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston,
TX, USA
- MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate
School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public
Health, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abbott BR. The imperfect fit: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder as the basis to commit individuals involuntarily as sexually violent predators/persons. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2022; 40:112-128. [PMID: 34913526 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2556] [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: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal alcohol exposure produces a broad range of primary disabilities that lead to adverse life course outcomes in children raised in adverse environments. Inappropriate sexual behaviors are a commonly occurring secondary disability, with a large minority of individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) displaying sexual aggression. Adults with FASD who commit repeated criminal sexual acts may be subject to legal proceedings for indefinite involuntary civil confinement as sexually violent predators/persons (SVP) in certain jurisdictions in the United States. Studies about the diagnostic practices among psychologists and psychiatrists retained by states to evaluate individuals as SVP do not recognize FASD as a mental disorder, despite the likelihood that hundreds of individuals petitioned for involuntary commitment suffer from FASD. Establishing an FASD diagnosis may provide exculpatory evidence to refute a government petition that an individual suffers from a mental condition that affects emotional or volitional capacity by predisposing the person to committing criminal sexual behavior. This article provides a framework for identifying, assessing, and deciding whether individuals with the FASD diagnosis suffer from the legally defined mental disorder that is necessary to indefinitely confine individuals as SVP.
Collapse
|