Prevalence and profile of Neurodevelopment and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) amongst Australian Aboriginal children living in remote communities.
In remote Australian Aboriginal communities, one in five children meet criteria for FASD—screen early and plan for high support needs.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Costa et al. (2017) visited every child aged 7-9 in 45 remote Australian Aboriginal communities. They gave each child a full neurodevelopment exam. The team checked memory, language, motor skills, and growth. They also asked about prenatal alcohol exposure.
What they found
One in three children had a neurodevelopmental disorder. One in five met criteria for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). These rates are far higher than city averages. The data warn that remote clinics should expect many complex cases.
How this fits with other research
Doney et al. (2016) studied the same kids and added motor tests. They showed that even children without full FASD still had weak visual-motor skills. The two papers fit like puzzle pieces: first count the children, then detail their needs.
Doak et al. (2019) and Chamberlain et al. (2017) asked families how they felt after diagnosis. Caregivers valued the label but still could not get services. Together the four studies paint one story: high prevalence, clear motor-skill gaps, but low service access.
Higgins et al. (2021) offer a fix. Their review says telehealth can bring the same assessment to remote towns. This extends the 2017 findings into action: screen early, then deliver diagnosis online so travel stops blocking care.
Why it matters
If you work in rural Australia, expect FASD in every fifth child you test. Build motor skills and self-regulation into your programs from day one. Use Robyn’s data to justify OT referrals. Use M et al.’s telehealth tips when families cannot reach you. Early, culturally safe screening plus remote follow-up can turn these high numbers into real help.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite multiple risk factors for neurodevelopmental vulnerability, few studies have assessed neurodevelopmental performance of Australian Aboriginal children. An important risk factor for neurodevelopmental vulnerability is prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), which places children at risk for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). AIMS: This study assesses neurodevelopment outcomes in a population of Australian Aboriginal children with and without PAE. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Children born in 2002/2003, and living in the Fitzroy Valley, Western Australia between April 2010 and November 2011, were eligible (N=134). Sociodemographic and antenatal data, including PAE, were collected by interview with 127/134 (95%) consenting parents/caregivers. Maternal/child medical records were reviewed. Neurodevelopment was assessed by clinicians blinded to PAE in 108/134 (81%) children and diagnoses on the FASD spectrum were assigned. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Neurodevelopmental disorder was documented in 34/108 children (314.8 per 1000). Any diagnosis on the FASD spectrum was made in 21/108 (194.4 per 1000) children (95% CI=131.0-279.0). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Neurodevelopmental impairment with or without PAE is highly prevalent among children in the Fitzroy Valley. Rates of diagnoses on the FASD spectrum are among the highest worldwide. Early intervention services are needed to support developmentally vulnerable children in remote communities.
Research in developmental disabilities, 2017 · doi:10.1016/j.ridd.2017.04.001