Natasha Reid

University of Queensland | UQ · Centre for Children's Health Research

Background: Exposure to alcohol prenatally can result in a child being diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Affected infants experience lifelong impairments that can involve, physical, cognitive, behavioural and emotional difficulties that impact on their functional capacity. Effective prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is cr...

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can be associated with significant difficulties in self‐regulatory abilities. As such, interventions have been developed that focus on improving varying aspects of self‐regulation for this population. The application of a multi‐level theoretical framework that describes the development of self‐regulation during early...

Prenatal alcohol exposure results in cognitive, behavioral and neurological deficits in offspring. There is an urgent need for safe and effective treatments to overcome these effects. Maternal choline supplementation has been identified as a potential intervention. Our objective was to review preclinical and clinical studies using choline supplemen...

The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is used to describe a wide range of difficulties that individuals who are exposed to alcohol prenatally can face. FASD is a significant public health concern that is currently under‐recognised and consequently, under‐diagnosed in Australia. A new Commonwealth FASD Strategy (2018–2028) is being develop...

Occupational therapy's whole-person approach is well-suited to address the complex needs of children and youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). However, literature regarding best practices for occupational therapy practitioners working with this population is lacking. This article delineates the role and scope of occupational therapy pr...

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a significant public health concern, yet there is no internationally agreed set of diagnostic criteria or summary of underlying evidence to inform diagnostic decision-making. This systematic review assesses associations of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and outcomes of diagnostic assessments,...

Aim To explore the clinical utility and psychometric properties of standardized tools for the early detection of developmental concerns or disability in young children. Method Systematic reviews and clinical practice guidelines containing psychometric data on tools appropriate for use with children from birth to 5 years 11 months were searched for...

Background Student-led clinics can provide low-cost speciality care and practical interprofessional education (IPE) opportunities. In Australia, there are currently limited speciality services available that provide neurodevelopmental assessments that consider fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) as one possible outcome. The aim of the current st...

Research focused on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is often deficit‐focused, limiting a holistic understanding of individuals' support needs. Families of adolescents with FASD also struggle to access appropriate services. Using semi‐structured interviews, the current study explored the perspectives of seven caregivers of adolescents with FA...

Previous reviews have examined annual mean costs of care for individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), costs of the health burden, costs to the justice system, productivity losses for caregivers, and both the monetary and nonmonetary costs of reduced quality of life. However, because there have been no published reviews focused on un...

We undertook a scoping review to identify the factors outside of current fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) diagnostic criteria to be considered as part of a holistic assessment process. This included physical, social, cultural, mental health and wellbeing factors to inform targeted recommendations and supports to improve outcomes for individua...

Introduction: Australian practices for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are lengthy and require specialist expertise. Specialist teams are based in urban locations; they are expensive and have prolonged waitlists. Innovative, flexible solutions are needed to ensure First Nations children living in rural/remote communities have cul...

There is mounting evidence that prenatal alcohol exposure can contribute to a range of health conditions apart from the well-known effects on the brain and neurobehavior. This has led to the idea that fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) should be considered as a “whole-body” condition. A small number of studies and health surveys have found that...

Early assessment and diagnosis of FASD are crucial in providing therapeutic interventions that aim to enhance meaningful participation and quality of life for individuals and their families, while reducing psychosocial difficulties that may arise during adolescence and adulthood. Individuals with lived experience of FASD have expertise based on the...

Harmful use of alcohol consumption in Australia is a serious socio-political and public health issue that is exacerbated by exploitative marketing campaigns by the alcohol industry. In Indigenous populations harmful alcohol use is directly related to the legacy of colonisation that has led to complex social issues and adverse intergenerational trau...

In Australia, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a largely hidden disability that is currently under-recognized, under-resourced, and under- or misdiagnosed. Unsurprisingly, efforts to prevent FASD in urban Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities are lacking. Further, mainstream approaches are not compatible with diverse and distin...

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to understand service users' experiences at a recently established student-led interprofessional neurodevelopmental clinic for children and adolescents with suspected or confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure. Method: Semi-structured interviews were completed at 3-months post-clinic attendance with 10 servi...

Aboriginal culture intuitively embodies and interconnects the threads of life that are known to be intrinsic to human wellbeing: connection. Therefore, Aboriginal wisdom and practices are inherently strengths-based and healing-informed. Underpinned by an Indigenist research methodology, this article presents findings from a collaboration of Aborigi...

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition. Despite FASD being recognized as a clinical disorder there is no globally agreed set of diagnostic criteria. Accurate and timely diagnosis of FASD is imperative to inform clinical care, optimize outcomes for individuals accessing assessments and their families, as w...

Background: This qualitative study explored staff experiences of co-designing and implementing a novel interprofessional (IP) First Nations child health assessment (the helpful check), developed in partnership with a remote North-Queensland Aboriginal CommunityControlled Health Organisation. Method: Eleven staff across two teams (family health a...

This study sought to determine data collection approaches in Australian cohort studies and explore the potential impact on reported prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) prevalence and patterns. Inclusion criteria were that studies related to a general Australian antenatal population where PAE was assessed and reported. Studies were excluded if they were...

As part of the broader Yapatjarrathati project, 47 remote health providers and community members attended a two-day workshop presenting a prototype of a culturally-safe, tiered neurodevelopmental assessment that can identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in primary healthcare. The workshop provided a forum for broad community feedback on t...

Prenatal alcohol exposure can contribute to long term adverse health outcomes. Development of the skeletal system begins at the early embryonic stage and continues into early adulthood but the effect of prenatal alcohol exposure on skeletal growth is relatively unexplored in a clinical population. Here, we performed dual X-ray absorptiometry to exa...

Aim To explore the lived experiences of adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to understand: the ways in which their challenges influence daily functioning; and the personal assets and external resources that facilitate participation. Method Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with four adolescents (one identified as non‐bi...

Since the 2016 release of the Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), considerable progress has been made in the identification and diagnosis of the disorder. As part of a larger process to review and update the Guide, the aim of this study was to identify review priorities from a broad range of stakeholders inv...

The aim of the present study was to integrate cultural considerations and developmental screening into a First Nations child health check. The 'Share and Care Check,' an optimised child health check, was co-designed with a remote Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation and led by Aboriginal Health Practitioners/Workers. Of 55 families w...

Purpose of the Review The current review proposes a theoretical framework to support professionals in collaborating with families in the provision of services for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Existing models of family-directed care and family contextual factors relevant to planning interventions were reviewed. This informa...

Young people with neurodevelopmental disorders are overrepresented in the youth justice system and face many disadvantages due to their impairments. The current study investigated what factors predict and contribute to the behavior of youth justice professionals working in the Queensland (QLD) youth justice system, utilizing a behavior change wheel...

Introduction Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), including cerebral palsy (CP), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), are characterised by impaired development of the early central nervous system, impacting cognitive and/or physical function. Early detection of NDD enables infants to be fast-tracked to early in...

Background The preconception period provides a unique opportunity to optimize the health of women and children. High rates of alcohol use and unintended pregnancies are common across many Western societies, and alcohol‐exposed pregnancies (AEPs) are a possible unintended outcome. The aim of the current study was to evaluate preconception interventi...

Background Growing evidence suggests that prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has the potential to impact on a wide range of physical outcomes in offspring, including metabolism and body composition, although the evidence to-date is primarily from preclinical studies. The current clinical study examined the association between heavy PAE and indirect me...

Objectives This study aims to systematically review screening and assessment approaches and therapeutic interventions for young people with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in the youth justice system (YJS). Method Five databases were searched (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science and PsycINFO) for studies evaluating effectiveness of screenin...

Understanding the factors that contribute to women’s alcohol use in pregnancy is critical to supporting women’s health and wellness and preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. A systematic review of qualitative studies involving pregnant and recently postpartum women was undertaken to understand the barriers and facilitators that influence alco...

Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy results in elevated vulnerability to intrauterine growth restriction, preterm birth, miscarriage, and stillbirth. Many of the detrimental effects of fetal alcohol exposure may be mediated through placental dysfunction; however, the exact mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we aimed to determine the effect...

Introduction There is a lack of neurodevelopmental assessment services in rural and remote locations in Australia that consider fetal alcohol spectrum disorder as a possible outcome. Methods Eighty-seven participants attended a workshop to support community-based professional development and co-design of a novel assessment approach. Qualitative da...

Background Prenatal alcohol exposure can result in a wide range of adverse health outcomes, including in some cases fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. Thus, there is pressing need for effective interventions to prevent alcohol‐exposed pregnancies (AEPs). Methods A systematic review was undertaken to pro...

Objectives Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition involving lifelong challenges for both children and their families. The aim of the current study was to explore experiences of caregivers of children, adolescents and young adults diagnosed with FASD. More specifically, we examined the relationship between sh...

Objective/Background Sleep problems are a common clinically reported area of concern for children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). However, limited empirical research has been undertaken investigating sleep problems for children with FASD. The current study aimed to examine the associations between parent-reported sleep...

While fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) has primarily been thought of as a neurodevelopmental condition, research is beginning to highlight its ‘whole-body’ implications. Accordingly, the current study sought to provide a snapshot of potential health issues. Caregivers of children (median age of 12 years) with an FASD diagnosis were invited to...

Evidence suggests that children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience challenges across many areas of their daily lives and often require interprofessional supports. Recent studies have emphasized the need for an integrated system of care for children with FASD, incorporating medical, allied health, and education services, to facil...

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with life-long implications. Individuals with FASD can experience communication, cognitive, behavioural, social and emotional difficulties that impact their functional capacity. Due to these brain-based impairments, previous research suggests that individuals with FASD are ove...

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Early identification can improve functioning for individuals and reduce costs to society. Gold standard methods of diagnosing FASD rely on specialists to deliver intensive, multidisciplinary assessments. W...

Objective: The purpose of this study was to undertake a comprehensive review to identify all the available preclinical and clinical literature investigating cardiovascular and renal outcomes in offspring with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). Method: We used a systematic review methodology to survey published clinical and preclinical studies inve...

Background: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a common neurodevelopmental condition. Given that individuals with FASD can experience lifelong challenges, one field of research that could be applicable is the paediatric chronic health literature. Aims: The aim of the current study was to investigate the utility of the Pediatric Quality of...

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is increasingly recognized as being associated with a wide range of physical health problems, in addition to the well–defined neurocognitive difficulties that have been reported (Mattson et al., 2019). In line with other prenatal perturbations, including smoking, inadequate nutrition and exposure to stress, exposure...

Aim: Understanding professionals' views and needs can help advance service provision and improve future training opportunities, Therefore, the current study examined the experiences of Australian and New Zealand professionals who have attended fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)-specific training and the impact of this training on their current...

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has well‐known teratogenic effects on the developing fetus, potentially resulting in neurologic impairments. However, there is increasing interest regarding other potential adverse health outcomes related to prenatal alcohol exposure. The objective of this study was to undertake a systematic review to identify all th...

PURPOSE To understand the experiences and contextual factors that influence the ability of midwives to provide appropriate support to women regarding alcohol and other drug (AOD)e use during pregnancy, in the Queensland context. DESIGN Using a qualitative approach underpinned by critical realism, we explored the experiences of eleven midwives usin...

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) results in well‐characterized neurological, behavioral, and cognitive deficits in offspring. However, the effects on other health outcomes have not been comprehensively described. We used a systematic review methodology to survey published clinical and preclinical studies investigating a broad range of health outcome...

Materials and Methods Participants were recruited through the university research participation website where a link to an online survey was made available to first year undergraduate psychology students. The online questionnaire included questions on contraceptive and alcohol consumption behaviours in the past month, and questions that assessed pa...

Fetal alcohol exposure results in well-characterised neuro-behavioural deficits in offspring, which form the basis for diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. However, there is increasing interest in the full range of health complications that can arise in children and adults with this disorder. We used a systematic review approach to locate al...

Background: Despite greater awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, there has not been similar attention paid to research regarding effective strategies for prevention. Aims: To explore and interpret the messages women receive during their first antenatal care visit, relating to alcohol consumption. Methods: Participants were 12 females...

Frances O’Callaghan,1 Olav Muurlink,2,3 Natasha Reid4 1School of Applied Psychology, Griffith Health, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia; 2School of Business and Law, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; 3Griffith Institute for Educational Research, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia; 4Child Health Resear...

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a significant public health issue in Australia that is poorly diagnosed, chronic and costly. FASD is a diffuse acquired brain injury secondary to prenatal alcohol exposure. The prevalence rate of FASD among the general population in Australia is currently unknown; however, an Australian study in a selected...

Objectives: To systematically review and quantitatively synthesize the evidence for the impact of parenting interventions for incarcerated parents on parenting knowledge and skills, parent well-being, and quality of the parent–child relationship. Methods: A systematic search of 19 published and unpublished literature sources was conducted between J...

Objective: To explore the differences in baseline respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) between children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and typically developing children (TDC) and to investigate whether children with FASD have the capacity to engage in a brief mindfulness exercise. Methods: Participants were 14 children with FASD and 20 T...

Introduction and aims: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a significant public health concern, and growing recognition in Australia led to the establishment of a specialist service for young children. The aim of the current study was to report on the diagnostic profile of a group of children who attended the service, to document the extent...

Background: Growing evidence shows that children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) can benefit from interventions, and specifically interventions focused on improving self-regulation. However, novel ways of improving outcomes for children with FASD need further investigation so that programs target not only the individual child but also...

Introduction: The effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol are wide-ranging and pervasive in nature. In response to growing concerns about the lifelong disabilities related to prenatal alcohol exposure, a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) diagnostic clinic was established in 2012. This was the first multi-disciplinary service operating permane...

Interest in the application of mindfulness-based intervention for the treatment of psychological disorders and promotion of wellbeing has grown exponentially in recent years. Mindfulness-based interventions have been found to be beneficial for treatment of various forms of psychopathology as well as improve psychological wellbeing and enhance physi...

Background: Individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) can experience profound impairments and long-term adverse outcomes. This systematic review adopts a life span perspective providing an extensive analysis of the available literature. Methods: Studies were identified from PsycInfo, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Knowledge, CINAHL, ERIC...