Kelly D Harding

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Verified

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• PhD
• Adjunct Professor at Laurentian University

Canadian findings suggest that health care providers require further training and education to support their work preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). However, the knowledge and training of health care students in relation to FASD remains largely unexplored. The purpose of this study was to understand the attitudes and beliefs of heal...

Background Our aim in this paper is to build upon the experience of family adaptation and to describe one unique stressor experienced by adoptive parents of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) that may hinder successful family adaptation. Method Fifty-one adoptive parents of children with FASD from 36 families in Ontario, Canada, p...

Background There is limited research investigating the lived experiences of parents raising children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). The aim of this paper is to use qualitative analysis to identify how parents have adapted to the experience of raising their child with FASD. Method Eighty-four parents and caregivers of children with FA...

Background: Researchers investigating the impact of parenting children with disabilities suggest that regardless of the specific diagnosis, parents experience increased levels of stress. However, particular disabilities may be associated with distinct stressors and strains. Method: Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and pare...

Background: There is a long history of research on parents of children with disabilities, but to the authors' knowledge, no study has compared the stress of parents of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Method: Twenty-five parents of children with ASD and 25 parents of...

Based on the most current research, the estimated prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in the general North American population is at least 8%. However, rates of FASD are believed to be higher in certain groups. Examining the varying rates of FASD across different groups is critical to understand the demographic, social, geographica...

Since fetal alcohol syndrome was first defined in North America in the 1970s, researchers have been working to determine prevalence rates of the disability. Now referred to in Canada as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), the social, health, and economic impacts of FASD for families and communities are profound, thus understanding its scope is...

Background: The Canadian fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) diagnostic guideline provides clinicians with the process and procedure to reach an accurate diagnosis. However, organisational structure, culture, and resource utilisation vary. The objectives of this study were to identify the key challenges and strengths of successful FASD diagnosti...

Very little is known about the socio-sexual knowledge and attitudes of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) and tools to measure these constructs are limited. The purpose of the current study was to compare areas of importance in socio-sexual assessment for individuals with ID with those reported approximately twenty (Griffiths & Lunsky, 2000...

There has been an increase in the awareness of disabled people who identify with a diverse sexual and/or gender identity. Although this area has been minimally explored within the context of FASD, this issue is frequently broached by caregivers and service providers as an area of increased need and support. FASD is complex, and the combination of d...

As part of a larger project that provides unique insight into the profile of Canadians assessed for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) across various diagnostic clinics, the purpose of the current study was to highlight who presents for FASD assessment in Northeastern Ontario, and the related diagnostic outcomes between those who are diagnosed...

Background As a teratogen, alcohol exposure during pregnancy can impact fetal development and result in adverse birth outcomes. Despite the clinical and social importance of prenatal alcohol use, limited routinely collected information or epidemiological data exists in Canada. The aim of this study was to pool data from multiple Canadian cohort stu...

The concept of neurodiversity is a relatively new phenomenon that represents the wide variety of differences among humanity. Although neurodiversity has been discussed in relation to other disabilities, increased attention is needed to better understand and consider how FASD can be part of neurodiversity. This issue paper describes the concept of n...

Alcohol is legalized and used for a variety of reasons, including socially or as self-medication for trauma in the absence of accessible and safe supports. Trauma-informed approaches can help address the root causes of alcohol use, as well as the stigma around women's alcohol use during pregnancy. However, it is unclear how these approaches are use...

Employing a mixed methods approach, this study examined the knowledge and information Ontario physicians have concerning Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Physicians are at the front line when it comes to identifying ASD. The Healthcare Professional Questionnaire was filled out by 46 physicians and 16 filled out the Knowledge about Childhood Autism a...

Background and objective: Pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and their partners frequently report obtaining information about alcohol use during pregnancy from the mass media. Relying on mainstream media sources, such as television, can be problematic when the information presented is inaccurate, contributing to inconsistent messaging about...

Background and objective: Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) may experience a range of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological difficulties that can result from prenatal alcohol exposure. Intervention approaches for individuals with FASD are required to respond to evolving strengths and needs throughout their lifespan. Materi...

Background and Objective: The manner in which language is used reflects how people in a society view one another. Historically, individuals with disabilities have experienced discrimination through the use of stereotypic or demeaning language. Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) may be particularly susceptible to these negative...

Background and Objective: FASD prevention efforts have been expanded in the last 25 years to go beyond the moral panic that guided early public awareness campaigns and policy responses. In Canada, a Four-Part Model of FASD Prevention has been developed and used that describes a continuum of multi-sectoral efforts for women, girls, children, and the...

Background and objective Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) may experience a range of behavioral, cognitive, and physiological difficulties that can result from prenatal alcohol exposure. Intervention approaches for individuals with FASD are required to respond to evolving strengths and needs throughout their lifespan. Materia...

This special issue was created to reflect the evolving approaches to conducting and conceptualizing research in the FASD field.

Background and objective Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) prevention efforts have grown in the last 25 years to go beyond the moral panic that guided the early public awareness campaigns and policy responses. In Canada, a four-part model of FASD prevention has been developed and used that describes a continuum of multisectoral efforts for wom...

Background and Objective The manner in which language is used reflects how people in a society view one another. Historically, individuals with disabilities have experienced discrimination through the use of stereotypic or demeaning language. Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) may be particularly susceptible to these negative i...

Background and objective Pregnant women, women of childbearing age, and their partners frequently report obtaining information about alcohol use during pregnancy from the mass media. Relying on mainstream media sources, such as television, can be problematic when the information presented is inaccurate, contributing to inconsistent messaging about...

The aim of this study was to explore the lived experiences of grandparents raising their grandchildren with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Specifically, we sought to identify how caregivers make meaning of their experience, what challenges are faced by grandparents while raising a second generation and what positive experiences are encoun...

Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) experience a range of biopsychosocial vulnerabilities that can increase the possibility of adverse life outcomes, including a heightened risk of suicidality. In this study, we explored the lived experiences of caregivers of children and youth with FASD and suicidality, including their percepti...

Rates of suicidality among individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are greater than that of the general population and many other disability groups. Increased research, practice, and policy change are needed to better understand suicidality among individuals with FASD and to develop and implement effective supports. This issue paper...

Introduction Limited research has been conducted on suicidality among individuals with FASD. The purpose of this scoping review was to understand (1) how suicidality has been measured; (2) what proportion of individuals experience suicidality across the lifespan; and (3) what contextual factors are associated with suicidality. Method We conducted...

Media reflect and affect social understandings, beliefs, and values on many topics, including the lives of autistic and disabled people. Media analysis has garnered attention in the field of disability studies, which some scholars and activists consider a promising approach to discussing the experiences of – and for promoting social justice for – a...

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a multifaceted disability, characterized not only by brain- and body-based challenges, but also high rates of environmental adversity, lifelong difficulties with daily living, and distinct sociocultural considerations. FASD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities in the Western world and a...

For many years, researchers have explored the complex challenges experienced by individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). This research has been important for documenting the brain‐ and body‐based impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure and the psychosocial vulnerabilities and environmental adversities frequently associated with FASD. I...

Objective Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience a range of complex neurodevelopmental, psychological, and socioenvironmental vulnerabilities. There is growing evidence that suicidal ideation, attempts, and death by suicide are significant concerns within this population. In this study, we (1) determined the rate of suic...

Popular culture has recently seen the emergence of the so-called comical wine mom persona, particularly on social media sites such as Instagram. Given the increasing use of alcohol amongst women, and the emergence of alcohol as a tool for women and mothers to assert agency and gender equity, a critical analysis of wine mom culture warrants attentio...

The purpose of this report is to identify how the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) can be used to improve service provision and government policies for persons with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). It includes recommendations for how the CRPD could be used to advocate for improved outcomes and as a...

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe an array of structural, neurocognitive, and behavioral effects that result from prenatal alcohol exposure. While ongoing efforts have been made to increase the capacity of communities to provide early FASD diagnosis, there continues to be on-going challenges, particularly...

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a multifaceted disability, associated not only with complex brain- and body-based challenges, but also with high rates of environmental adversity, diverse sociocultural contexts, and lifelong difficulties with daily living. It is important to consider the complexities of FASD, and the ways in which FASD req...

Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience remarkably high rates of mental health and substance use challenges, beginning early in life and extending throughout adulthood. Proactive intervention can help to mitigate some of these negative experiences. Although the literature on FASD intervention is growing, there is currentl...

Aims: The current study aimed to explore differences in adverse outcomes between youth and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) living in child welfare care (i.e., foster care or group home) with those living with their biological parent(s) or with adoptive or other family member(s) in Canada. Methods: Data gathered from the C...

Language is a powerful tool that can influence how society views individuals with disabilities. Stereotypic or negatively valanced language can contribute to negative self-views among individuals with disabilities. Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and their families may be particularly susceptible to these negative impacts gi...

The purpose of this chapter is to learn the characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and to learn about the effects of prenatal (before birth) exposure to alcohol. The reader will also be introduced to multi-level FASD prevention campaigns, and some effective interventions and supports for individuals diagnosed with FASD and their...

Cette étude visait à fournir un aperçu des mesures prises par les cliniciens canadiens pour évaluer la fonction cérébrale chez les personnes évaluées pour le trouble du spectre de l’alcoolisation fœtale (TSAF). Nous nous sommes intéressés aux méthodes utilisées par les cliniciens canadiens du TSAF, aux tendances relatives aux pratiques d’évaluation...

Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) have a heightened sensitivity to stress because of the brain-based impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). There are also disproportionately high rates of chronic and complex adversity among people with FASD, which differentiates them from other disability groups. In order to address these...

Given the unique complexities of FASD, there is a need for provinces and territories to address and support the needs of people with FASD and their families through FASD-specific strategies. Currently in Canada, four provinces and territories have an operating strategy or framework in place to address FASD. Other existing provincial and territorial...

Women who use substances in pregnancy and/or have children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are highly stigmatized by the media, public, and health and social service providers. Social isolation, non-disclosure of alcohol and/or substance use, and not seeking or receiving the necessary support can be the result.

Children, youth, and young adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are a key population in the child welfare system. Responding to FASD requires skills and knowledge in the many areas that intersect with FASD. Social workers and other professionals who work in the child welfare system require increased education, training, and support to...

While the nature of the formal transition to adulthood has changed over the past decade, it continues to be premised on the notion of achieving independence. Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), however, may never reach full independence in their adult years, instead more so achieving interdependence. Consequently, their transit...

The purpose of this study was to gain a better understanding of the experiences of adoptive parents of adult adoptees with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and to examine their needs as they are adapting to their children’s transition into adulthood. Twenty parents from Ontario completed the Questionnaire on Resources and Stress –Friedrich’s...

Stigma can negatively impact individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and can decrease individuals’ capacity to access services and supports, while perpetuating feelings of shame and contributing to social isolation. Increased access to information about FASD must be shared with and amongst health and social service providers, teache...

Purpose of review Understanding the pathophysiologic, diagnostic, and treatment implications of the interface between mental disorder and the consequences of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) is important for mental health professionals (MHP) seeking to provide the most effective care. This review was written to highlight the importance of identifyin...

Issue: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe the impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memor...

Background: The suggested “gold standard” for FASD assessment involves a multidisciplinary diagnostic team and comprehensive battery of neuropsychological tests to evaluate functioning across ten brain domains. The current Canadian Guideline for diagnosis of FASD outlines a list of test measures for assessment; however, very little research exists...

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a profile of the Canada fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (CanFASD) research network which is descriptive in nature and profiles the work of the network and its national activities. CanFASD is a unique Canadian, non-governmental organization whose aim is to engage cross-disciplinary research and knowle...

Background and Objective: The purpose of this paper is to examine the experience of parents raising children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the middle childhood stage of development. Furthermore, this research investigates parents’ formal and informal support needs as they adapt to the demands of r...

The vast majority of FASD research is focused on the challenges and impairments associated with the disability, as well as the burden of FASD on families and the broader community. This type of research can help to validate the experiences of individuals with FASD and their families, and to inform where services and supports might be needed the mos...

Issue: The occurrence of inappropriate sexual behaviours (ISB) is an adverse life outcome that may be experienced by individuals with FASD. The purpose of this paper is to highlight an overview of the current existing research conducted in this area and offer implications for individuals, families, caregivers, and policy makers.

Pregnant women, their partners, and women of childbearing age frequently report obtaining information about alcohol use during pregnancy from the mass media. Trusting mainstream media sources (e.g., television) can be problematic when information is inaccurate, contributing to inconsistent messages about ‘safe levels’ of alcohol consumption during...

This article explores medical, midwifery, and nurse practitioner students’ attitudes about women who may consume alcohol throughout their pregnancies. Twenty-one health care students responded to a scenario-based vignette addressing alcohol consumption during pregnancy, as well as a semistructured interview, which were analyzed using Braun and Clar...

Health care professionals play a critical role in the prevention of FASD, particularly through providing counselling around alcohol use and alcohol consumption during pregnancy, yet researchers have demonstrated that many professionals remain under-educated concerning FASD. In addition, awareness of FASD held by Ontario health care professionals re...

Policy alert written for CanFASD highlighting the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy, in light of Canadian government plans to legalize cannabis by July 1, 2018. https://canfasd.ca/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2017/06/Cannabis-Use-and-Pregnancy-Policy-Alert.pdf

Introduction: Research indicates that health care professionals are not prepared to care for women regarding alcohol use during pregnancy, but limited research has examined health care students’ knowledge, awareness, and self-efficacy regarding prenatal alcohol exposure and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The inclusion of students as partic...

Introduction: Health care professionals play a critical role in the prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), particularly through providing counselling around alcohol use and alcohol consumption during pregnancy. However, research involving families of children with FASD reveals that while a minority of families report that accessing f...

The purpose of the briefing note is to identify the top priorities for Northern Ontario’s health policy agenda over the next three to five years.

Increasing numbers of grandparents are raising grandchildren diagnosed with developmental disabilities (Force et al., 2008). One such disability is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the leading preventable cause of developmental disability in Canadian children (Stade et al., 2009). Ten grandparents, all primary caregivers to children diagnose...

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) has been identified as a major public health concern. However, limited research has used longitudinal data to track the developmental life course of these individuals. Furthermore, women who drink during pregnancy are not a homogenous group. Concerns regarding drinking behaviours in women who are or could beco...

Applying hope theory, this mixed methods study compared the experiences of families raising children with FASD with families of children with autism and specifically their thoughts about their children's futures. Participants filled out two questionnaires, the Parenting Stress Index – Short Form and the Hope Scale. They also participated in in-dept...