FASD in the UK: Shaping Future Research & Practice Conference

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a significantly under recognised/diagnosed neurodevelopmental condition and disability. FASD occurs as a result of alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Therefore, the FASD in UK conference on the 10th June was a unique setting and occasion for researchers, clinicians, agencies, young people with FASD and caregivers across the UK to network and share research on many different areas. Being able to attend with the EMH bursary allowed me to hear of current research and discuss potential research collaborations.

The introduction and tone of the day was set by Jan (birth parent) and Rossi Griffin who shared an honest and uplifting account of what it is like with FASD in everyday life. Rossi is a young man with FASD and a fabulous make-up artist as seen on BBC Glow Up and has just published his first book Life in the FASD Lane. This will be a great resource for everyone, whether they have FASD or not. Cheryl McQuire from Bristol University followed with a talk on public patient involvement in research, essential to the FASD community. Another personal highlight was to hear from Professor Anita Gibbs who shared her research and insight on FASD as a parent, and FASD advocate in New Zealand. Disability is a protected characteristic with an entitlement to supports so relevant to FASD as often recognised as an invisible disability.

The day progressed with morning and afternoon parallel sessions on different areas: Science; Parent and Family; Clinical; Criminal Justic; Cohort Studies; and Intervention. I presented in the Clinical session on Key factors that shape professionals’ views of FASD, which is part of my PhD studies. My aim is to contribute to a wider understanding of the value and impact of the FASD diagnosis sharing the perspectives of young people with FASD, and health and education professionals.