'Under-recognised' foetal alcohol spectrum disorder a 'silent epidemic'
A British expert on foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is warning that the condition is under-recognised, speaking ahead of a conference which takes place in Clare on Thursday.
Raja Mukerjee is an adult learning disability consultant psychiatrist for Surrey, and Border's Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. He will address the conference being organised by FASD Ireland, which takes place in Hotel Woodstock, Ennis, from 9am on Thursday.
'Raising awareness and getting knowledge out there is really important, because FASD is something that is entirely avoidable. It's not that FASD is rare, it is that it is under-recognised,' Mr Mukerjee said.
Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder is an umbrella term for conditions which can be caused by drinking alcohol while pregnant.
According to figures published by the World Health Organization in 2017, it is estimated that approximately 600 babies are born each year in Ireland with the syndrome. Ireland ranked third out of 187 countries for prevalence of the disorder, behind South Africa and Croatia.
The HSE said in a briefing document in 2022 that the prevalence of the disorder in Ireland is estimated at between 2.8% and 7.4% of the population. It said the best available evidence estimates that about 600 Irish babies are born each year with foetal alcohol syndrome, 'with a further nine to 10 times this number of babies born annually in Ireland who have other foetal alcohol spectrum disorders'.
It is also estimated that up to 380,000 people with foetal alcohol spectrum disorders are currently living in Ireland.
Disorder indicators
Among the indicators of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders are ADHD, low body weight, poor co-ordination, poor memory, attention difficulties, difficulties in school (particularly around maths), and learning disabilities.
The chief executive of FASD Ireland, Tristan Casson-Rennie, said that the disorder is more prevalent than autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy combined, 'yet it is far less understood, recognised, or supported'.
The conference aims to raise awareness, share and promote best practices, and drive the development of coordinated services across sectors.
Describing the disorder as a 'silent epidemic', Mr Casson-Rennie added: 'With up to 7.4% of our population potentially affected, the need for national awareness, training, and support systems is fundamental.
This conference is a call to action — for professionals, families, and policymakers alike — to come together and shape a more inclusive, informed future
He said the conference is open to healthcare professionals, educators, social workers, community organisations, students, people living with the disorder, their families and carers, and anyone committed to improving the lives of people affected by FASD.
Also speaking will be chartered psychologist specialising in positive psychology and health from Royal College for Surgeons Ireland, Dr Jolanta Burke; consultant paediatrician with a special interest in developmental paediatrics at Mullingar Regional Hospital, Prof Farhana Sharif; and the national lead at the alcohol and mental health and wellbeing programmes at HSE, Dr Aisling Sheehan.
Families will also give their lived experiences of the disorder, along with people who themselves have it.
Those wishing to attend the conference can access tickets at www.fasdireland.ie/conference.
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