The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published a new comprehensive quality standard designed to improve the diagnosis and assessment of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
According to the British Medical Association, FASD is the most common, non-genetic cause of learning disability in the UK, although it is often misdiagnosed as autism, Asperger Syndrome or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Currently, there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the UK Chief Medical Officers’ low-risk drinking guidelines state that the safest approach is to avoid alcohol altogether to minimise risks to the baby.
The NICE guidance says midwives and other healthcare professionals should give women clear and consistent advice on avoiding alcohol throughout pregnancy, and explain the benefits of this, including preventing FASD and reducing the risks of low birth weight, preterm birth and the baby being small for gestational age.
It adds that FASD is one possibility when prenatal alcohol exposure is being considered as a cause of neurodevelopmental disorder. A neurodevelopmental assessment is needed to confirm, or rule out, a diagnosis of FASD. The neurodevelopmental issues associated with FASD are complex and varied, so the specific aspects of the assessment and the professionals involved will vary.
Confirmation of a diagnosis of FASD (or risk of FASD) ensures the child or young person receives the right treatment, care and support while plans for longer-term management are being made.
The quality standard highlights five key areas for improvement:
These statements are designed to help local service providers identify areas for improvement.
Dr Paul Chrisp, director of NICE’s centre for guidelines, said: “We know children and young people with FASD often have a poorer quality of life and must overcome some incredibly difficult challenges in their daily lives.
“This quality standard aims to improve the diagnosis and care offered to children and young people with FASD as well as ensuring that women are given consistent advice about their alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
“Data on the number of children and young people in the UK with FASD are limited, with no single reliable source. It’s important that we have clearly defined areas for improvement in place to reflect national priorities, promote best practice and help all those involved in delivering services to provide the very highest levels of care.”
Following consultation, a draft statement that recommended that a mother’s alcohol consumption should be included on the child’s medical records has been changed.
