Almost 90% of youths detained in some of Australia's juvenile prisons have neurological development problems, mostly caused by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a condition that affects a person whose mother had drunk excessive amounts of alcohol during pregnancy. It can cause severe brain damage leading to cognitive and behavioural problems as well as learning difficulties. Professor Carol Bower of the Telethon Kids Institute says Australia has one of the highest numbers of young people in detention with FASD and unless it is identified as the problem the system cannot respond with the most appropriate treatments and therapies.
Share
