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Contact: Susan J. Hemingway (astley@uw.edu)
Core Function: Clinical Services, Technical Assistance and Outreach Training
Program: Clinical Training Unit (CTU)
The Washington State Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic & Prevention Network (FAS DPN) is a network of Washington State community-based clinics led by the core clinical/research/training FAS DPN clinic at IHDD. The core clinic at the IHDD was first established in 1993 through support from the Centers for Disease Control and March of Dimes. The single clinic was expanded into the statewide FAS DPN clinical network in 1995 through legislation.
The goals of the FAS DPN are primary and secondary prevention of FASD through screening, diagnosis, intervention, research, and training. The network seeks to:
- Demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary diagnostic clinics that accurately identify FASD in persons of all ages,
- Provide comprehensive treatment planning (medical, mental health, educational/vocational, and social service) to reduce secondary disabilities, and
- Locate and intervene with the birth mothers of these individuals to prevent recurrent births of affected children.
An additional goal is to disseminate this approach to other communities worldwide and train and support those local efforts to develop similar programs. The FAS DPN holds clinics at the IHDD and across the state of Washington. Each clinic in the network uses the same interdisciplinary approach and validated diagnostic method, the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code and FAS facial recognition software developed by FAS DPN faculty. The FAS DPN began diagnosing patients in 1993 and has diagnosed over 3200 patients to date. The FAS DPN has expanded both nationally and internationally through the training of interdisciplinary teams. IHDD faculty members have trained over 225 interdisciplinary teams worldwide.
Other network activities include training UW students, interns, fellows and community professionals; offering an online course to instruct professionals on the use of the FASD 4-Digit Diagnostic Code; distributing FAS Facial Photographic Analysis software and downloadable diagnostic guides; and creating one of the largest clinical/research databases that it uses to conduct studies to improve the diagnosis and intervention strategies used for individuals with FASD. The FAS DPN is also providing annual reports describing demand for services to stakeholders including the Department of Health, the Department of Social and Health Services, the Department of Corrections, and the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The FAS DPN co-chairs the Washington State Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Interagency Work Group (FASD IAWG) established in 1995 through legislation. The mission of the FASD IAWG is to ensure coordination of State programs/institutions (UW, DOH, DSHS, OSPI, and DOC) for individuals with FASD and women at risk of having children with fetal alcohol exposure. The FASD IAWG reports periodically to the Governor’s Council on Substance Abuse and key legislative committees to promote public policy for FASD prevention. These reports are posted on the Washington State FASD website (fasdwa.org) created and maintained by the FAS DPN.
