Welcome to the FASD team

Welcome to the FASD team

Fetal Alcohol Advisory and Support Team Working together to improve knowledge, attitudes and confidence to better support individuals affected by FASD Key messages: No Alcohol, No Risk FASD is likely to affect 4 times as many individuals as Autism FASD should be considered within neurodevelopmental assessments Early identification, diagnosis and support improves outcomes Overview The Fetal Alcohol Advisory and Support Team is a small team based in NHS Ayrshire & Arran which has been funded by the Scottish Government for the next three years. The aim of the team is to work with multidisciplinary teams in Health Boards across NHS Scotland to improve access to diagnostic services and improve clinician confidence. Background In 2014, NHS Ayrshire & Arran were successful in securing funding to set up a novel multidisciplinary clinic for the assessment and support of children with suspected Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. The team assessed 36 children via a pilot pathway and since 2015 the team are aware of >200 children within CAMHS and Community Child Health Services where support has been provided. A service evaluation is underway, looking at 4 key areas: Processes, Outcomes, Satisfaction and Knowledge. The results of the evaluation will be available later this year. After considering the findings, the team will use the knowledge and experienced gained over the last 3 years to support other clinicians and Health Boards to develop services for families and individuals affected by FASD. The additional funding was sought to ensure that the experience gained thus far is embedded in future service delivery both at Local and National level.

Meet the team Dr Sarah Brown Consultant Paediatrician, MBChB, MRCPCH, MMEd Dr Sarah Brown is a Consultant Paediatrician based within Rainbow House Child Development Centre, NHS Ayrshire & Arran. Dr Brown has longstanding interests in advocating for the needs of Looked After and Accommodated Children and is the Lead Paediatrician for LAAC across all 3 IHSCP s. Dr Brown is the Lead Clinician for the Scottish Government Fetal Alcohol Advisory and Support Team and is committed to supporting the nationwide development of FASD services and improving clinician confidence in the diagnosis of FASD. Dr Brown holds a Masters Degree in Medical Education from the University of Dundee and regularly teaches and presents at conferences on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Dr Brown is a member of the FASD SIGN Guideline Group. Dr Jennifer Shields Principal Clinical Psychologist, BA (Hons) Psychology, D Clin Psy., PG Dip Dr Jennifer Shields is a Principal Clinical Psychologist based in the Fetal Alcohol Assessment and Support Team within NHS Ayrshire & Arran. Following two years working in the West Dunbartonshire Acquired Brain Injury Service, she completed a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Whilst working clinically within the Child & Adolescent Mental Health Service in North Ayrshire, Dr Shields also completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Paediatric Clinical Neuropsychology. Dr Shields has a longstanding interest in neurodevelopmental conditions and acquired brain injury and has presented at conferences nationally and internationally. Dr Shields was a member of the working group for the SIGN Guideline for Autism (145) and is currently a member of the FASD SIGN Guideline Group.

Meet the team Rachel Burn FASD/Maternal Health Public Health Officer Rachel is currently based within Public Health, however throughout her career she has had a keen interest in raising awareness of the risks associated with drinking alcohol during pregnancy and FASD. Rachel has also worked alongside the Scottish Government funded Fetal Alcohol Advisory and Support Team and is committed to continue to provide support on developing Ayrshire & Arran s local work at a national level. Rachel has been instrumental in the development and design of a multi-disciplinary training programme which focuses on improving awareness and knowledge for professionals across health and social care. Rachel also contributed to the development and formation of a local FASD Support Group which is available for families in Ayrshire & Arran and was involved in the production of a resource which provides guidance for parents and carers following Lorna Fulton Midwife, FASD Education and Family support Lorna Fulton has worked in NHS Ayrshire & Arran for the past 30 years as a registered Nurse and Midwife. She has been instrumental in the development of an alcohol brief intervention service within the maternity setting, providing support for midwives delivering alcohol brief interventions and raising the awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Lorna also works closely with families and schools, offers multi-agency bespoke FASD training and has established the only NHS-backed FASD family support group in the UK. Lorna holds a Masters Degree in Vulnerability and is a member of the FASD SIGN Guideline Group. Taryn Shelley Clinical Lead Occupational Therapist Taryn Shelley has been an Occupational Therapist for 19 years and has a specialist interest in FASD and sensory processing differences. SALT Speech & Language Therapist (SALT) The Fetal Alcohol Advisory and Support Team includes Speech & Language therapists who are able to support training and offer advice on complex cases. Contact us: aa-uhb.fetalalcoholadvisoryandsupportteam@nhs.net

We are able to offer support to other clinicians and professionals who are working with individuals suspected of having Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Primarily this will be in the form of case consultation to teams who have attended the FASD multidisciplinary training due to be provided in March 2019 (See dates for your diary). We will support local teams to implement the training gained following attendance. Support and case discussion is likely to be by telemedicine or by phone. The team members are also engaged in national activity: FASD SIGN Guideline group members. Engagement with MHAIST (Mental Health Access Improvement Support Team) as part of the Neurodevelopmental Collaborative developing efficient and effective neurodevelopmental pathways across Scotland. Exploring links within existing 3rd sector organisations which are able to provide support to affected individuals and families. Ongoing local activity: What can we do? Continue to support the growing confidence in identification and diagnosis of FASD. Aid with implementation of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Ayrshire & Arran Strategy, 2018-2021. With the backing of Ayrshire & Arran Integrated Health and Social Care Partnerships, the team will continue to consolidate and formalise links with partnership agencies (social work, education, 3rd sector organisations) with a view to improving outcomes by building understanding and support for affected individuals and families. Anticipated future dates /important dates/dates for your diary 1. FASD SIGN Guideline due for publication later this year. 2. Association of Child & Adolescent Mental Health Conference on FASD - Thursday 4th October 2018 in Glasgow. This conference is suitable for all colleagues across health, social care and education. 3. FASD Clinicians forum - Wednesday 28 November 2018 at COSLA, Edinburgh. This group meets twice a year and provides an opportunity for clinicians with an interest in FASD to link and discuss assessments, neurodevelopmental pathways and case discussion. 4. FASD diagnostic training for Multidisciplinary teams - Spring 2019 This training will be facilitated by staff from the Manitoba FASD Centre, Canada. This will be the Canadian team s third trip to Scotland and we will encourage Health Boards to identify multi-disciplinary teams best placed to attend and implement the training. This exciting training opportunity will be held over two days in the central belt. Training is delivered at no cost. nc18-00428