https://www.flickr.com/photos/hmrcgovuk/8786927300

A researcher from the University is developing a training programme for parents and carers of people with alcohol foetal spectrum disorder (AFSD).

Alan Price, 37, is creating a ‘world leading’ training programme for those who deal with AFSD children, which will be the first of its kind in Europe.

The programme will teach parents and carers the most efficient and responsive ways to care for people with the condition, which is often undiagnosed due to lack of research.

The development is happening at the University’s School of Health and Society and will be the third programme of it’s kind in the world.

The programme will last between 7-to-8 weeks, and will put emphasis on reducing sensory encounters and preventing over arousal of everyday situations which can be distressing.

Anna Webster has an adopted child with FASD and feels “it’s just not spoken about.

“Even if you do get a diagnosis, you have no pathway to follow, which is why this new programme is so good.”

Price said that due to the lack of infrastructure in the UK, ‘rates of FASD diagnosis are very low.’

“We’re all keen to help spread the word and improve understanding, especially among parents who may be able to make a difference to people with FASD but are often not adequately trained to do so.”

Alan added: “We’re all keen to help spread the word and improve understanding, especially among healthcare workers, teachers and social workers, who may be able to make a difference to people with FASD but are often not adequately trained to do so.”

A conference is being held at the University’s MediaCityUK campus today, where over 100 of the UK’s leading experts in FASD will come together and discuss many matters around the condition, including the distribution of the programme.

For more information on FASD, see the NHS website.

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