MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH
A world-class paediatric researcher and a former WA chief psychologist are leading a landmark project in Leonora, WA to uncover the prevalence and impact of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in the northern Goldfields community. It will be the first project in the Goldfields aiming to diagnose and treat people with a range of neurological conditions found in children whose mothers drank alcohol while pregnant. The project has been supported by a Rotary global grant and funds raised by 5 WA Rotary clubs – Osborne Park, Kalamunda, Western Endeavour, Boulder and Mandurah. The Rotary Club of Thimphu , Bhutan is the sponsoring club for the Global Grant. The project should run for at least 2 years.
Bruce Duffy, chairmen of Rotary Aboriginal Reference Group and was chief psychologist from 1982-89, travelled to Leonora in February to meet stakeholders ahead of the first diagnostic clinic in April. The aim is to get an indication of what the incidence of FASD is in the Leonora area so the local community is motivated to do something about it
The project will be spearheaded by paediatrician James Fitzpatrick, a world leading researcher into FASD involved in a milestone investigation into the prevalence of the condition in WA's Fitzroy Valley region. As many as 1 in 5 children in the remote Kimberley communities had the disorder.
Incarcerated youth at the Banksia Hill detention facility in Perth found as many as 36% of offenders has the disorder. The condition could manifest in learning difficulties, speech and language impairments, and physical disabilities like cerebral palsy. Secondary impacts of the condition are substantial, but can be managed if diagnosed early. It can lead to mental health problems, including depression, anxiety and suicide, substance abuse issues, and trouble with the law.
Dr. Fitzpatrick said it would develop community awareness of child development issues, and would also include diagnosing global developmental delay, intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder.
The approach in Leonora is about improving child development outcomes generally, always in the context of early life trauma that a lot of young people in remote communities experience.
Diagnosing conditions like FASD and providing community education can raise awareness about the problems of alcohol abuse in pregnancy and it can help change behaviour so less women drink in pregnancy.
