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Innovation: FASD Prevalence Rate As High As 5%

Sanford Health

Dr. Gene Hoyme participated in a study with results recently published in JAMA. The study began in 2010 and spanned six years. Researchers interviews first grade students in different communities around the United States to look for children on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder spectrum. Sioux Falls is the Midwestern community listed in the research.  Dr. Hoyme says the prevalence rate for FASD is as high as 5%. He says FASD is completely preventable and is caused by women drinking while pregnant. He also says pediatricians need better training to diagnose the disorder for early intervention.

 

Cara Hetland is the Director of Radio and Journalism Content for South Dakota Public Broadcasting.