Research
Emphasis Areas

Research Affiliates

Core Services
Behavioral Science Core

Brain Imaging Core

Cellular Morphology Core

Genetics Core

Infant Primate Research Laboratory Core

Instrument Development Laboratory Core

Susan Astley, Ph.D.

Professor of Epidemiology
Research Affiliate, Center on Human Development and Disability
Coordinator, Research Emphasis Area on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
astley@u.washington.edu
206-685-9665
University of Washington, Box 357920
Seattle, WA 98195-7920

Dr. Astley's major professional goals are the primary and secondary prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) through screening, diagnosis, intervention, surveillance, education, and research. Clinical programs and diagnostic tools developed by Astley and colleagues include the Washington State FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network, the FAS Facial Photographic Analysis software, the Diagnostic Guide for FASD, the national FASD Interdisciplinary Diagnostic Training Program, the FASD 4-Digit Diagnostic Code Online Course, and the Foster Care FAS Screening/Diagnostic/Surveillance Program.

Astley and colleagues are currently engaged in the following clinical research studies: (1) Assessment of the clinical/diagnostic utility of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and functional MRI (fMRI) among children with FASD. (2) Assessment of two promising intervention models for school-aged children with FAS/ARND (alcohol-related neural defects): (a) an individualized, supportive, behavioral consultation intervention for parents and school staff of children with FAS/ARND; and (b) A school-based social communication intervention provided directly to children with FAS/ARND that targets critical deficits in social communication and peer relations. (3) A national FASD Juvenile Justice Initiative to establish FASD screening, diagnosis and intervention for adolescents in the juvenile justice system.

CHDD Outlook article on youth with FASD and the courts (Summer 2006, page 4)

CHDD Outlook article on studying prenatal alcohol exposure with brain imaging (Summer 2002, page 4)

University of Washington • Center on Human Development and Disability Box 357920 • Seattle WA 98195-7920 USA • 206-543-7701 •chdd@u.washington.edu