Coinciding with International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day, Visual TEAF is being launched today, a new digital application that supports healthcare professionals in the identification and diagnostic classification of this neurodevelopmental disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure.
The tool was developed with the participation of professionals from the Clínic-IDIBAPS Fetal and perinatal medicine research group, led by Dr Óscar García-Algar, and was designed based on the internationally recognized diagnostic criteria for FASD. The platform can be accessed from different devices and guides the professional in the structured collection and analysis of the clinical data necessary for patient assessment.
The launch of Visual TEAF follows the clinical validation of the application in an observational study that included 418 children and adolescents between 8 and 18 years old with clinical suspicion of FASD. The results show complete concordance between the diagnoses made by expert paediatricians and those obtained with the app, reinforcing its potential as a clinical decision support tool.
A tool to facilitate detection and reduce diagnostic variability
The diagnosis of FASD remains complex, as there is no universal diagnostic standard and its signs can be confused with other neurodevelopmental disorders. Moreover, the scarcity of experts and variability in the application of diagnostic criteria can delay the identification of cases.
Within this context, Visual TEAF allows the standardization of the clinical assessment process through a structured algorithm that integrates somatometric data (such as weight, height or cranial circumference), physical characteristics, neurocognitive and behavioural alterations, and a history of prenatal alcohol exposure. The application generates a diagnostic classification and a summary report that can support the specialized assessment.
A centre of excellence for FASD care and research
The Clínic is one of the leading centres for the management of FASD and is actively involved in clinical and research projects focused on prevention, early diagnosis and the monitoring of affected individuals.
Each year, professionals at the Clínic diagnose and monitor more than 500 patients with FASD (including over 50 in the last year) and carry out multidisciplinary activity involving specialists in neonatology, paediatrics, neuropsychology and child mental health. The centre also leads research initiatives aimed at improving knowledge of the condition and developing new diagnostic and therapeutic tools.
The validation of Visual FASD represents a new step in this line of work and reaffirms the Clínic’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation applied to health.
What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a range of physical, cognitive, behavioural and developmental impairments caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It is considered the leading preventable cause of non-genetic intellectual disability and can affect a person’s learning, memory, attention, social skills and independence.
Experts remind us that there is no safe amount of alcohol in pregnancy, and that the only way to avoid the effects of prenatal exposure is to maintain complete abstinence throughout the entire gestation and also from the moment a future pregnancy is planned.
Children with FASD can present with cognitive and behavioural difficulties that persist throughout their lives, which is why early diagnosis and multidisciplinary support are key to improving their development and quality of life.
