ABSTRACT

Background

Early diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is known to improve outcomes in children. It is less clear if diagnosis in adulthood also conveys benefits. This study investigated long-term outcomes for individuals diagnosed with FASD after 18 years of age.

Method

Twenty adults aged 18–45 years at FASD diagnosis were interviewed. Pre-diagnosis information was compared to follow-up information gathered between 1 and 11 years later.

Results

Individuals reported high rates of mental health disorders (55%) and unemployment (85%). Pre-diagnosis, 10% received disability income and 15% were eligible for intellectual disability (ID) services. At follow-up, 90% received disability income and 85% were eligible for ID services. All (100%) enacted at least one assessment recommendation and 75% enacted two. Most (75%) reported having a diagnosis was beneficial, providing better adaptation and self-understanding.

Conclusion

An FASD diagnosis in adulthood can benefit individuals through more access to supports/services and greater personal understanding and adaptation.

中文翻译：

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成年后胎儿酒精谱系障碍 (FASD) 诊断后的长期结果

摘要

背景

众所周知，胎儿酒精谱系障碍 (FASD) 的早期诊断可以改善儿童的预后。目前尚不清楚成年期的诊断是否也能带来好处。本研究调查了 18 岁后诊断为 FASD 的个体的长期结果。

方法

采访了 20 名 18-45 岁诊断为 FASD 的成年人。将诊断前信息与 1 至 11 年后收集的随访信息进行比较。

结果

个人报告精神健康障碍 (55%) 和失业 (85%) 的比率很高。诊断前，10% 获得了残疾收入，15% 有资格获得智力残疾 (ID) 服务。在后续行动中，90% 的人获得了残疾收入，85% 的人有资格获得 ID 服务。所有人（100%）至少制定了一项评估建议，75% 制定了两项。大多数（75%）报告有诊断是有益的，提供更好的适应和自我理解。

结论

成年期 FASD 诊断可以通过更多地获得支持/服务以及更好的个人理解和适应来使个人受益。