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Research summary
Highlights in child mental health research: October 2022
VariousThis October 2022 research summary provides a selection of recently released papers, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to infant and child mental health. Each summary includes an introductory overview of the content for that month, followed by a list of selected articles. Each article is accompanied by a brief synopsis which presents the key messages and highlights. -
Webinar
Working to support children and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder webinar
Emerging Minds and Mental Health Professionals' Network (MHPN)The webinar featured a facilitated interdisciplinary panel discussion of a case study. The panel comprised of Pediatrician Professor Elizabeth Elliott AM, Psychologist Dr Sara McLean and Sue Miers AM a Child and Family Partner. -
Research paper
1. What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?
Dr Sara McLeanFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) refers to a range of distinct but related developmental difficulties caused by exposure of the developing fetus to alcohol in utero. All practitioners, regardless of their role, are likely to encounter children and adults who are affected by FASD. While the impact of alcohol on a child's brain development may be irreversible, there are some pracitices which can minimise the impact of FASD on the lives of children and families. -
Research paper
2. Understanding the impacts of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) on child mental health
Dr Sara McLeanThis resource highlights the significance of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) to practitioners working in child, family and/or adult-focused services. In particular, it outlines emerging understandings about the association between FASD and common mental health concerns in children and young people. It is part of a series of Emerging Minds resources on FASD and its impact on children and families. -
Research paper
3. How to support children living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Dr Sara McLeanThis resource outlines the diverse neurocognitive challenges frequently faced by children living with FASD. It highlights some of the ways these differences may impact on children’s learning, behavioural and social development, and outlines the general principles for supporting children. -
Research paper
4. How to support caregivers and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Dr Sara McLeanAll practitioners are likely to encounter children and families that are living with FASD. This resource supports practitioners to understand the likely impact of FASD on families, and how they can best support children and families living with FASD. -
Research paper
5. Systems and service supports for children and families living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Dr Sara McLeanThe term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) covers a range of developmental disorders associated with a variety of physical, mental health, and behavioural difficulties. FASD is caused by exposure of the developing fetus to alcohol in utero. Children living with FASD often require support from multiple service providers, including health services, mental health services, child protection, intensive family support, and alternative and mainstream education services. Many aspects of conventional services, such as referral pathways, information provision, and support provision may be less suited to children living with FASD. Access to these services assumes well-developed memory, language or organisation skills that may be lacking in children affected by FASD. Collaborative service provision that relies on a shared understanding of children’s needs is possibly the best way of engaging with and supporting children and families living with FASD.