title: Frequent behavioural challenges in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a needs-based assessment reported by caregivers and clinicians.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Despite substantial research characterizing the brain injury, a significant gap still exists in providing timely and effective care for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The objective of this study was to conduct a needs assessment that could help inform intervention programs and appropriate strategies to manage challenging behaviours targeted to families impacted by FASD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty caregivers and 26 clinicians from across Canada completed a semi-structured telephone interview.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Caregivers reported that the most challenging behaviour categories were "Externalizing Behaviours", "Cognitive Difficulties", and "Social Difficulties/Maladjustment", whereas the most successful parenting strategies were "Parental Reflection", "Routine/Structure/Consistency", and "Environmental Modification". Clinicians reported that "Insufficient Support/Knowledge from Health and Social Professionals and Agencies" and "Behavioural Difficulties/Challenges" were the most common concerns from caregivers of children with FASD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The number and extent of challenges reported make it evident that there are many unmet needs that compromise the quality of life for these caregivers, their children, and their families. These data will be used to inform the development of an intervention program that will provide a family-centered approach to training, education, and support for children with FASD and their families.
authors: Courtney R
authors: CR
authors: Green
authors: Jessica
authors: J
authors: Roane
authors: Amy
authors: A
authors: Hewitt
authors: Nazeem
authors: N
authors: Muhajarine
authors: Christopher
authors: C
authors: Mushquash
authors: Andre
authors: A
authors: Sourander
authors: Patricia
authors: P
authors: Lingley-Pottie
authors: Patrick
authors: P
authors: McGrath
authors: James N
authors: JN
authors: Reynolds
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D017028:Caregivers / Q000523:psychology*; D057189:Checklist; D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005195:Family Relations; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010820:Physicians; D036301:Qualitative Research; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013689:Telephone; D055815:Young Adult