Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Addressing the Needs of Children and Families in Wisconsin

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) represent an important health care issue affecting thousands of children and families in the United States. Although there is no exact prevalence data for Wisconsin, it is estimated that between 100 and 150 babies are born each year in our State with any of the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most recognizable medical condition caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. A combination of physical features and cognitive impairments, FAS is a leading cause of mental retardation and learning disabilities in the United States today.

For a review of the diagnostic criteria for FAS and related conditions, please review Hoyme et al., Pediatrics 115 (1): 39 at the following link: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/reprint/115/1/39.

While many individuals affected by FASD still go undetected and unserved, the demand for information and resources is growing as the public becomes more aware of the adverse health and psychosocial effects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure--and as more children are diagnosed with the conditions. For over fourteen years, the Family Empowerment Network (FEN) has been a resource for families and the professionals who serve them. FEN's mission includes:

• increasing awareness about FASD by providing education, training and resources to families, providers, and the general public;
• providing support and referrals to families affected; and
• increasing opportunities for diagnosis and intervention.

As a part of the Department of Family Medicine, FEN has increased its scope of services to families. In 2003, a new FASD clinic began at the UW Waisman Center. A collaborative effort between Family Medicine, the Waisman Center, and the UW Departments of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, we currently operate the FASD clinic one day per month and provide a specialized multidisciplinary assessment for two patients. The clinical team represents the disciplines of psychology (developmental and rehabilitation), audiology, nutrition, speech and language, special education, occupational therapy, and genetics/pediatrics. Follow-up support and advocacy services are conducted by FEN staff Patricia Cameron, MS and Raina Zwadzich.

In addition to the multidisciplinary clinic, the Family Empowerment Network sponsors outreach FASD diagnostic services at women's AODA treatment centers throughout Wisconsin including Milwaukee, Green Bay, Rhinelander, and Eau Claire. These clinics are one day in length and accommodate 6-8 pre-screened patients. These outreach clinics provide the services of pediatrician and geneticist Dr. David Wargowski. Dr. Wargowski provides ongoing consultation to FEN and the families we serve.

For more information, or to refer a patient for any of the clinical services sponsored by FEN, clinicians are encouraged to call (608) 262-6590 or toll-free at 800-462-5254. FEN has many reference resources including a diagnostic and intervention guidebook and "philtrum" cards to assist in the recognition of specific facial features associated with FASD. To request a copy--please call either of the above numbers or email FEN at fen@fammed.wisc.edu.

In addition to diagnostic services, FEN staff are currently in the start-up phase of two research projects:

• Project Choices (brief intervention with women at risk for an alcohol-exposed pregnancy) and
• Families Achieving Success: A Family Counseling Intervention to Address FAS.

These projects are funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration respectively.

Please call us, or stop by our offices in Alumni Hall, if we can be of any service. Also, visit the FEN Web site.