Impairment of motor skills in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in remote Australia: The Lililwan Project

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder resources for health professionals: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

This scoping review aimed to identify and critically appraise resources for health professionals to identify, diagnose, refer, and support individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)-including the extent to which the resources are appropriate for use in communities with First Nations Peoples.

METHOD

Seven peer-reviewed databases (April 2022) and 14 grey literature websites (August 2022) were searched. The reference lists of all sources that underwent full-text review were handsearched, and FASD experts were consulted for additional sources. Resources were assessed using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation II instrument and an adapted version of the National Health and Medical Research Council FORM Framework and iCAHE Guideline Quality Checklist.

RESULTS

A total of 41 resources underwent data extraction and critical appraisal, as screening and/or diagnosis guidelines were excluded because they are covered in other reviews. Most were recently published or updated (n=24), developed in the USA (n=15, 36.6%) or Australia (n=12, 29.3%) and assisted with FASD patient referral or support (n=40). Most management guidelines scored 76%-100% on overall quality assessment (n=5/9) and were recommended for use in the Australian context with modifications (n=7/9). Most of the guides (n=15/22) and factsheets (n=7/10) received a 'good' overall score. Few (n=3/41) resources were explicitly designed for or with input from First Nations Australians.

CONCLUSION

High-quality resources are available to support health professionals providing referrals and support to individuals with FASD, including language guides. Resources should be codesigned with people living with FASD to capture and integrate their knowledge and preferences.

Effectiveness of interventions for school-aged-children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To describe allied health and educational interventions and their effectiveness for children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). To appraise the quality and strength of studies.

METHODS

Electronic databases were searched between 2005 and March 2022, identifying non-pharmacological studies supporting function, activity, or participation for FASD participants aged 5-18 years using any quantitative research design. Outcomes were coded using International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, family of Participation Related Constructs and behaviour categories. Multi-level random-effects meta-analysis examined intervention effects. Study methodological quality was evaluated using Cochrane risk of bias tools, RoBiNT, AMSTAR 2 and NHMRC Hierarchy levels of evidence. Certainty of findings were synthesised using GRADE approach.

RESULTS

The systematic review included 25 studies with 735 participants, 10 of which were analysed by meta-analysis. Body function and structure, activity, behaviour, and sense of self outcomes were pooled. A small, positive effect favouring interventions was found (g = 0.29, 95% CI = 0.15-0.43), however the GRADE certainty was rated as low. No participation outcomes were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Some interventions targeting body function and structure, activity and behaviour outcomes were effective. Evidence of interventions that support children's and adolescent's participation as an outcome is lacking.

Development and Evaluation of a Virtual Model for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Assessment and Diagnosis in Children: A Pilot Study

The diagnostic process for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) involves a multi-disciplinary team and includes neurodevelopmental, physical, and facial assessments and evidence of prenatal alcohol exposure during the index pregnancy. With the increased use of virtual care in health care due to the pandemic, and desire of clinics to be more efficient when providing timely services, there was a need to develop a virtual diagnostic model for FASD. This study develops a virtual model for the entire FASD assessment and diagnostic process, including individual neurodevelopmental assessments. It proposes a virtual model for assessment and diagnosis of FASD in children and evaluates the functionality of this model with other national and international FASD diagnostic teams and caregivers of children being assessed for FASD.

Motor skills and intelligence in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

AIM

To determine the relationship between motor abilities and intelligence in children and young people with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) being assessed for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

METHOD

This was a cross-sectional correlational study of children and young people with PAE being assessed for FASD. The relationship between motor abilities (Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition) and intelligence (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fourth or Fifth Edition) was calculated using correlation and regression analyses. Attention and executive function were considered as potential confounding variables.

RESULTS

The relationship between motor abilities and intelligence in 73 children and young people (48 males, 25 females; aged 6-17y, mean age 10y 5mo [SD 2y 9mo]) assessed for FASD was small and statistically non-significant (r=0.05, p=0.67).

INTERPRETATION

The findings confirm that motor abilities and intelligence should be assessed separately when investigating an FASD diagnosis. Intelligence scores should not be used to estimate motor abilities, nor should they dictate when motor testing be completed. Assessing intelligence and motor domains separately will enhance diagnostic accuracy, identify the need for strategies or interventions to address functional motor skills, and further define the role of physiotherapy and occupational therapy in FASD assessment and intervention.

Bigiswun Kid Project: a longitudinal study of adolescents living with high rates of prenatal alcohol exposure, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and early life trauma in remote Australian Aboriginal communities

INTRODUCTION

The Lililwan Project was the first Australian population-based prevalence study of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) using active case ascertainment. Conducted in 2010-2011, the study included 95% of all eligible children aged 7-9 years living in the very remote Aboriginal communities of the Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia. Women from Marninwarntikura Women's Resource Centre, a local Aboriginal-led organisation, are concerned that some participants from the study are struggling in adolescence so partnered with researchers from the University of Sydney to follow up the Lililwan cohort in 2020-2022 at age 17-19 years.The overarching aim of the Bigiswun Kid Project is to identify adolescents' needs and build knowledge to inform services to improve the health and well-being of adolescents in remote Aboriginal communities. The specific aims are to: (1) provide a voice to adolescents and their families to understand the health and well-being status of the Lililwan cohort at 17-19 years. (2) Examine relationships between exposures during pregnancy, birth characteristics, and health and neurodevelopment at 7-9 years, and positive/adverse adolescent outcomes at 17-19 years. This information will identify prenatal and early life factors that predict good health and well-being in adolescence. (3) Determine whether management plans provided in the Lililwan Project were followed, and identify past and present service gaps, support needs and barriers to service use. (4) Determine if key physical characteristics of FASD change between childhood and adolescence in this Aboriginal population.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Approved by the Kimberley Aboriginal Health Planning Forum and relevant ethics committees.

White matter alterations in young children with prenatal alcohol exposure

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can lead to cognitive, behavioural, and social-emotional challenges. Previous neuroimaging research has identified structural brain alterations in newborns, older children, adolescents, and adults with PAE; however, little is known about brain structure in young children. Extensive brain development occurs during early childhood; therefore, understanding the neurological profiles of young children with PAE is critical for early identification and effective intervention. We studied 54 children (5.21 ± 1.11 years; 27 males) with confirmed PAE (94% also had other prenatal exposures, 74% had adverse postnatal experiences) compared with 54 age- and sex-matched children without PAE. Children underwent diffusion tensor imaging between 2 and 7 years of age. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) were obtained for 10 major white matter tracts. Univariate analyses of covariance were used to test group differences (PAE vs. control) controlling for age and sex. The PAE group had higher FA in the genu of the corpus callosum and lower MD in the bilateral uncinate fasciculus. The PAE group also had lower tract volume in the corpus callosum, the bilateral inferior fronto-occipital fasciculi, and the right superior longitudinal fasciculus. Our findings align with studies of newborns with PAE reporting lower diffusivity, but contrast those in older populations with PAE, which consistently report lower FA and higher MD. Further research is needed to understand trajectories of white matter development and how our results of higher FA/lower MD in young children connect with lower FA/higher MD observed at older ages.

The Demographic and Neurocognitive Profile of Clients Diagnosed With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in PATCHES Paediatrics Clinics Across Western Australia and the Northern Territory

BACKGROUND

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a diagnosis relating to neurocognitive impairments associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. A key aspect of improving FASD diagnostic processes and management is understanding the demographic and neurocognitive profile of those living with FASD. The aim of this study was to describe the demographic and neurocognitive profile of the first 199 individuals diagnosed with FASD in PATCHES Paediatrics clinics.

METHODS

A retrospective cross-sectional descriptive study design was conducted with individuals diagnosed with FASD between 2013 and 2018 through a multidisciplinary team according to the Australian FASD Diagnostic Guidelines.

RESULTS

Participants were primarily male 133 (66.8%) and Aboriginal Australian 147 (73.9%), aged 2 to 31 (mean 10.5), with 94 (47.3%) from remote or very remote parts of Western Australia. Participants came from low 119 (59.8%), medium 48 (24.1%), and high 32 (16.1%) socioeconomic (SE) backgrounds. Low SE background was found to be a predictor of number of sentinel facial features (Wald χ² (1) = 4.03, p < 0.05). Most received a diagnosis of FASD with <3 sentinel features 165 (82.9%). Participants either had 6 or more 46 (23.1%), 5 44 (22.1%), 4 55 (27.6%), or 3 (27.1%) neurodevelopmental domains impaired. Executive functioning was the most commonly impaired neurodevelopmental domain 158 (79.4%), and 31 (61%) reported sleep disturbance. ADHD was the most observed comorbid condition (41.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

This study improves our current understanding of neurocognitive and demographic profiles in individuals with FASD that have been clinically referred for diagnosis within Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and highlights the importance of prevention and early assessment/diagnosis as well as guidance regarding more targeted interventions. FASD affects individuals from all cultural and SE backgrounds. Individuals from middle to higher SE groups are at risk of FASD with prevention efforts needing to target these sectors of society. Suggestions for future research directions are also provided.

Tooth Malformations, DMFT Index, Speech Impairment and Oral Habits in Patients with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a developmental disorder with severe negative lifetime consequences. Although knowledge about the harmfulness of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has spread, the prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is very high. Our study aims at identifying fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)-associated dental anomalies or habits, which need early attention. Methods: Sixty children (30 FAS; 30 controls) were examined prospectively. Swallowing pattern, oral habits, breastfeeding, speech therapy, ergotherapy, physiotherapy, exfoliation of teeth, DMFT (decayed, missing, filled teeth) index, modified DDE (developmental defects of enamel) index and otitis media were recorded. Results: Swallowing pattern, exfoliation of teeth, and otitis media were not significantly different. Significant differences could be found concerning mouthbreathing (p = 0.007), oral habits (p = 0.047), age at termination of habits (p = 0.009), speech treatment (p = 0.002), ergotherapy, physiotherapy, and breastfeeding (p ≤ 0.001). DMFT (p ≤ 0.001) and modified DDE (p = 0.001) index showed significantly higher values for children with fetal alcohol syndrome. Conclusions: Children with fetal alcohol syndrome have a higher need for early developmental promotion such as speech treatment, ergotherapy, and physiotherapy. Mouthbreathing, habits, and lack of breastfeeding may result in orthodontic treatment needs. High DMFT and modified DDE indexes hint at a higher treatment and prevention need in dentistry.

Review of Aboriginal child health services in remote Western Australia identifies challenges and informs solutions

BACKGROUND

Despite a national focus on closing the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal child health outcomes in Australia, there remain significant challenges, including provision of health services in very remote communities. We aimed to identify and map child health services in the very remote Fitzroy Valley, West Kimberley, and document barriers to effective service delivery.

METHODS

Identification and review of all regional child health services and staffing in 2013. Verification of data by interview with senior managers and staff of key providers in the Western Australian Country Health Service, Kimberley Population Health Unit, Nindilingarri Cultural Health Services and non-government providers.

RESULTS

We identified no document providing a comprehensive overview of child health services in the Fitzroy Valley. There were inadequate numbers of health professionals, facilities and accommodation; high staff turnover; and limited capacity and experience of local health professionals. Funding and administrative arrangements were complex and services poorly coordinated and sometimes duplicated. The large geographic area, distances, extreme climate and lack of public and private transport challenge service delivery. The need to attend to acute illness acts to deprioritise crucial primary and preventative health care and capacity for dealing with chronic, complex disorders. Some services lack cultural safety and there is a critical shortage of Aboriginal Health Workers (AHW).

CONCLUSIONS

Services are fragmented and variable and would benefit from a coordinated approach between government, community-controlled agencies, health and education sectors. A unifying model of care with emphasis on capacity-building in Aboriginal community members and training and support for AHW and other health professionals is required but must be developed in consultation with communities. Innovative diagnostic and care models are needed to address these challenges, which are applicable to many remote Australian settings outside the Fitzroy Valley, as well as other countries globally. Our results will inform future health service planning and strategies to attract and retain health professionals to work in these demanding settings. A prospective audit of child health services is now needed to inform improved planning of child health services with a focus on identifying service gaps and training needs and better coordinating existing services to improve efficiency and potentially also efficacy.

Accuracy of motor assessment in the diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Background

To evaluate the accuracy of motor assessment tools listed in Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a guideline for diagnosis across the lifespan (Canadian Guideline) for the purpose of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) diagnosis. Specifically, we aimed to determine: 1) diagnostic accuracy of motor assessment tools and subtests; 2) accuracy of multiple subtests versus total scores; and 3) accuracy of alternate cut-offs.

Methods

Cross-sectional diagnostic study of 63 children aged 6–17 years. Diagnostic accuracy and alternate cut-offs were calculated for the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd edition (MABC-2), Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, 2nd edition Short Form (BOT-2SF) and Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual Motor Integration, 6th edition (BeeryVMI-6).

Results

The MABC-2 total motor score was more sensitive (0.30; 95% CI 0.17–0.46; p < 0.01) to motor impairment in the presence of FASD than the BOT-2SF (0.02; 95% CI 0.00–0.12) at the 2nd percentile (−2SD). The MABC-2 total motor score was more accurate than any combination of subtest scores. The Motor Coordination subtest of the BeeryVMI-6 (BeeryMC) at the 5th percentile (− 1.5SD) (sensitivity 0.68, specificity 0.90) was the most accurate subtest.

Conclusions

The BOT-2SF was an inaccurate assessment tool for FASD diagnosis. The MABC-2 total motor score was the most accurate using current guidelines, though its sensitivity was still low. Further investigation into inclusion of single subtests and/or using a less conservative cut-off in the Canadian Guideline is warranted.

Fine motor skills in a population of children in remote Australia with high levels of prenatal alcohol exposure and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

BACKGROUND

Many children in the remote Fitzroy Valley region of Western Australia have prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Individuals with PAE can have neurodevelopmental impairments and be diagnosed with one of several types of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Fine motor skills can be impaired by PAE, but no studies have developed a comprehensive profile of fine motor skills in a population-based cohort of children with FASD. We aimed to develop a comprehensive profile of fine motor skills in a cohort of Western Australian children; determine whether these differed in children with PAE or FASD; and establish the prevalence of impairment.

METHODS

Children (n = 108, 7 to 9 years) were participants in a population-prevalence study of FASD in Western Australia. Fine motor skills were assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, which provided a Fine Motor Composite score, and evaluated Fine Manual Control (Fine Motor Precision; Fine Motor Integration) and Manual Coordination (Manual Dexterity; Upper-Limb Coordination). Descriptive statistics were reported for the overall cohort; and comparisons made between children with and without PAE and/or FASD. The prevalence of severe (≤ 2nd percentile) and moderate (≤16th percentile) impairments was determined.

RESULTS

Overall, Fine Motor Composite scores were 'average' (M = 48.6 ± 7.4), as were Manual Coordination (M = 55.7 ± 7.9) and Fine Manual Control scores (M = 42.5 ± 6.2). Children with FASD had significantly lower Fine Motor Composite (M = 45.2 ± 7.7 p = 0.046) and Manual Coordination scores (M = 51.8 ± 7.3, p = 0.027) than children without PAE (Fine Motor Composite M = 49.8 ± 7.2; Manual Coordination M = 57.0 ± 7.7). Few children had severe impairment, but rates of moderate impairment were very high.

CONCLUSIONS

Different types of fine motor skills should be evaluated in children with PAE or FASD. The high prevalence of fine motor impairment in our cohort, even in children without PAE, highlights the need for therapeutic intervention for many children in remote communities.

Behavior in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Remote Australia: A Population-Based Study

OBJECTIVE

To document behavior in children residing in very remote Western Australian communities as rated by parent/caregivers and teachers. We hypothesized that children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) would have higher rates of problematic behavior than children without FASD.

METHODS

The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL; n = 97), and Teacher Report Form (TRF; n = 106) were used in this population-based study. Raw scores, proportions scoring within "Normal/Borderline/Clinical" ranges, and frequencies of Critical items were determined. Mann-Whitney U and χ tests were used for between-group comparisons.

RESULTS

Children were aged from 7.5 to 9.6 years, and 19% had FASD. Academic performance was commonly rated in the "Borderline/Clinical" range (73%). Teacher-rated scores were poorer in the FASD group on 15 scales encompassing total and internalizing problems, adaptive function, academic performance, attention, withdrawn/depressed, social problems, posttraumatic stress, thought problems, and sluggish cognitive tempo (p < .05). More children in the FASD group had scores in the "Borderline/Clinical" range on 11 TRF scales (p < .05). "Physically attacks people" was the most prevalent Critical item endorsed by teachers for the total cohort (22%). "Talks about killing self" was endorsed by teachers more often in the FASD group (14%) than the Non-FASD group (1%; p = .03). There were no significant differences between groups in parent-reported CBCL scores after adjustment for multiple comparison testing.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that children with FASD have more teacher-reported behavioral impairment than children without FASD. In remote Australian communities, academic performance is poor.

Gross motor performance in children prenatally exposed to alcohol and living in remote Australia

AIM

This study aimed to determine the gross motor (GM) performance of Aboriginal children living in remote Australia. The relationship between GM skills, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) was explored.

METHODS

A population-based observation study was conducted in 2011 to assess motor performance in children living in the Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia, using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2). BOT-2 data were retrospectively analysed using recently developed software enabling separation of fine and GM outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 108 children (98.1% Aboriginal; 53% male, mean age: 8.7 years) were assessed. Half (52.2%) were exposed to at least 'risky' levels of PAE, and 21 (19%) were diagnosed with an FASD. The mean GM composite score of the cohort (47.0 ± 8.4) approached the BOT-2 normative mean (50.0 ± 10) and was similar between children with and without PAE (P = 0.27). This mean score, however, was significantly lower in children with FASD than without (mean difference: -5.5 ± 20.6; P = 0.006). Compared with children without FASD, children with FASD had significant impairment in subtests for running speed and agility (mean difference ± standard deviation (SD): -2.4 ± 8.1; P = 0.003) and strength (mean difference ± SD:-2.8 ± 9.9; P = 0.004) and (ii) a higher proportion than expected had overall GM impairment (≤2 SD: 9.5%; ≤1 SD: 23.8%). In groups with PAE, no PAE and no FASD, GM function approached expected population norms.

CONCLUSIONS

A higher than expected proportion of children with FASD had GM scores that indicated impairment and need for therapy. Evaluation of GM performance should routinely be included in FASD assessment to determine strategies to optimise child development.

Visual-motor integration, visual perception, and fine motor coordination in a population of children with high levels of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

BACKGROUND

Visual-motor integration (VMI) skills are essential for successful academic performance, but to date no studies have assessed these skills in a population-based cohort of Australian Aboriginal children who, like many children in other remote, disadvantaged communities, consistently underperform academically. Furthermore, many children in remote areas of Australia have prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which are often associated with VMI deficits.

METHODS

VMI, visual perception, and fine motor coordination were assessed using The Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration, including its associated subtests of Visual Perception and Fine Motor Coordination, in a cohort of predominantly Australian Aboriginal children (7.5-9.6 years, n=108) in remote Western Australia to explore whether PAE adversely affected test performance. Cohort results were reported, and comparisons made between children i) without PAE; ii) with PAE (no FASD); and iii) FASD. The prevalence of moderate (≤16th percentile) and severe (≤2nd percentile) impairment was established.

RESULTS

Mean VMI scores were 'below average' (M=87.8±9.6), and visual perception scores were 'average' (M=97.6±12.5), with no differences between groups. Few children had severe VMI impairment (1.9%), but moderate impairment rates were high (47.2%). Children with FASD had significantly lower fine motor coordination scores and higher moderate impairment rates (M=87.9±12.5; 66.7%) than children without PAE (M=95.1±10.7; 23.3%) and PAE (no FASD) (M=96.1±10.9; 15.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

Aboriginal children living in remote Western Australia have poor VMI skills regardless of PAE or FASD. Children with FASD additionally had fine motor coordination problems. VMI and fine motor coordination should be assessed in children with PAE, and included in FASD diagnostic assessments.