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Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in China

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Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a term which describes a wide range of possible effects caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol, such as fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol-related neuro-developmental disorders, and other alcohol-related birth defects. This article will review issues relating to FASD in China, which is the most populated country in the world. Information on the epidemiology of alcohol use during pregnancy, particularly as it relates to the unique cultural aspects of China, is provided. It is clear that schools, the government, mental health services, and the medical community do not have a clear conceptualization of serving children with FASD and that FASD-related research in China is lacking. However, there are some noticeable unique FASD prevention strategies in China, including social pressure, the influence of the one-child policy, premarital education, and mandatory premarital examinations. Prevention strategies promoting a decrease in drinking during pregnancy are provided in the form of mandated alcohol warning labels, new polices on alcohol regulation, and an increase in the education level of women. It is important for psychologists to provide cultural-specific suggestions in order to achieve effective and sufficient prevention and intervention for children with FASD concerns in China.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

    Yuan Yuan Wang

  2. Faculty of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China

    Yuan Yuan Wang

  3. Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 325 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL, 60654, USA

    Rik Carl D’Amato

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  1. Yuan Yuan Wang
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  2. Rik Carl D’Amato
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Correspondence to Rik Carl D’Amato.

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Wang, Y.Y., D’Amato, R.C. Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in China. J Pediatr Neuropsychol 3, 53–60 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40817-017-0029-0

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