International interest in UofM FASD research

Manitoba's research on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is getting international attention.

A nine-person delegation from France was in Winnipeg Saturday to learn about local programs that work to diagnose, prevent and treat FASD.

Researchers in Winnipeg are working on a genetic test that could diagnose the disorder. 

Doctors are also looking into how nutrition can play a role in reducing the severity of FASD.

Currently the process is complex and requires many tests and expert evaluations.

"There are a lot of children that have affects from pre-natal alcohol that are invisible," said Dr. Albert Chudley, who is with the University of Manitoba's FASD research team. 

"Where they don't demonstrate physical features that might indicate they've been affected," he said.

The group from France will visit the Manitoba FASD Centre and the FASD Youth Justice Program.