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FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network

Contact: Susan Astley, For appointments call 206-598-7666 or click here

Core Function: Clinical Services, Technical Assistance and Outreach Training

The Washington State Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic & Prevention Network (FAS DPN) is a network of four Washington State community-based clinics linked by the core clinical/research/training FAS DPN clinic at CHDD. The core clinic at the CHDD was first established in 1993 through support from the Centers for Disease Control. 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, research, and training. The network seeks to (1) demonstrate the value of interdisciplinary diagnostic clinics that accurately identify FASD in persons of all ages, (2) provide comprehensive treatment planning (medical, mental health, educational/vocational, and social service) to reduce secondary disabilities, and (3) 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 and train and support those local efforts to develop similar programs.

The FAS DPN holds clinics at the CHDD and across the state of Washington. Each clinic in the network uses the same interdisciplinary approach and systematic diagnostic method, the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code developed by CHDD faculty. The FAS DPN began diagnosing patients in 1993 and has diagnosed over 2000 patients to date. The FAS DPN has expanded both nationally and internationally through the training of interdisciplinary teams. CHDD faculty have trained over 200 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 conducting studies to improve the diagnosis and intervention strategies used for children with FASD.

More Information

FAS DPN Website