New service to help diagnose foetal alcohol spectrum disorder kids

Townsville children will have greater access to diagnostic assessment for foetal alcohol spectrum disorder as part of a new referral service. See the detail here.

CHILDREN will have greater access to diagnostic assessment for foetal alcohol spectrum disorder as part of a new referral service.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service and North Queensland Primary Health Network have partnered for the service, which assists children known to the health service’s Child Development Service and local paediatricians.

Child Development Service allied health team leader Carly Hislop said supporting diagnosis for children with FASD was crucial.

“Children with FASD can experience all sorts of challenges, including delays with their physical, emotional, speech, language skills and growth, issues with memory and attention, and learning and behavioural difficulties,” Ms Hislop said.

Paediatrician and neonatologist Dr Sithambarampillai Sivayoganathan, Child Development Service psychologist Ally Hofmann, and Child Development Service allied health team leader Carly Hislop.

She said any amount of alcohol, consumed at any point during pregnancy could cause FASD.

Paediatrician and neonatologist Dr Sithambarampillai Sivayoganathan said FASD was an under-diagnosed condition which could lead to long-term difficulties for children.

“It is estimated one in every 13 pregnancies exposed to alcohol will result in a child having FASD and up to 90 per cent of these are at risk of misdiagnosis,” Dr Sivayoganathan said

He said children may be prescribed medications for other conditions rather than addressing the underlying disability.

Parents can self-refer their child to the child development service through the form available

at child, youth and family health service at the Townsville HHS. For referral to a

paediatrician, inquire with a GP.

Originally published as New service to help diagnose foetal alcohol spectrum disorder kids