CompletedInterventional

A parenting course to reduce behavioural difficulties and improve the quality of life for families of those diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong condition that happens when a baby is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. It can cause brain differences that make learning, communication, and emotional control challenging. Raising a child with FASD can be very stressful, and parents often struggle to find dedicated NHS support. This UK clinical study is testing a specialist online course called SPECIFIC (Salford Parents and carers’ Education Course for Improvements in Fasd outcomes In Children). It lasts seven weeks and is run online in small groups by a professional trainer and an experienced parent. Researchers are comparing families who take the course right away with a group who take it slightly later. The aim is to see if the training builds confidence, lowers daily family stress, and is practical to roll out across the NHS in the future.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

120

Start

01 Oct 2022

Estimated completion

29 Feb 2024

Stress reduction in families diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

What is this study about?

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) happens when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, affecting how a baby's brain develops. It is a lifelong condition that can make it hard for children to stay calm, make friends, communicate, and succeed at school. While FASD is common, it is often missed or misunderstood, leaving many families feeling isolated and unsupported. Caring for a child with complex behavioural needs can cause high levels of stress for parents and carers.

At present, there is no standard NHS parenting course made specifically for FASD. To fill this gap, researchers at the University of Salford worked closely with parents, charities, and doctors to create a practical training programme called SPECIFIC. The course aims to teach proven strategies that help parents manage challenging behaviours and create a calmer home environment.

This study is a 'feasibility test', which means researchers want to see whether the course works well in real life and whether parents find it helpful and easy to complete. If the results are positive, the team plans to run a much larger UK trial, with the ultimate hope that the NHS and local charities can offer this support to thousands of families across the country.

Key takeaways

Tests a dedicated seven-week online parenting course for families raising children with FASD.
Open to parents of children aged 5 to 12 who were diagnosed within the last three years.
Run online by professional trainers alongside experienced parents of children with FASD.
Everyone gets the training: families on the waiting list receive the course after the comparison period.
Aims to reduce parental stress and provide practical tools for managing daily behavioural challenges.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to parents and legal carers of children who have received a formal diagnosis of FASD within the last three years. The child must be between 5 and 12 years old (roughly primary school Year 1 through to secondary school Year 7).

Parents must be able to attend all seven weekly online sessions and be happy to be placed into either the immediate course group or the waiting list group.

You cannot take part if you have already completed specialist parenting training designed for FASD in the past. The study is also not suitable for families currently dealing with active child protection or safeguarding concerns, as these require immediate, individual professional care.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

My child has an official diagnosis of foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
My child was diagnosed within the last 3 years.
My child is aged between 5 and 12 years old.
I have not previously completed a specialist FASD parenting programme.
I have internet access and can attend seven weekly online sessions.
There are no active safeguarding or child protection concerns in my home.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part involves joining a seven-week programme delivered entirely online, so you can join from home without travelling. Families are randomly split into two equal groups by computer. The first group starts the SPECIFIC course straight away, while the second group is placed on a waiting list and receives the exact same course once the initial evaluation is finished.

The course involves one weekly group session with around six families, co-led by a specialist trainer and a parent who has personal experience of raising a child with FASD. There are no medical tests or drugs involved. You will be asked to fill in questionnaires before and after the course to measure your stress levels, your confidence, and your child's wellbeing, allowing researchers to see how much the course helped.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part may help you learn effective parenting techniques tailored to FASD, connect with other parents facing similar challenges, and reduce overall household stress. A possible risk is that discussing family struggles and behavioural difficulties can sometimes feel emotionally draining or upsetting. However, the groups are designed to be warm, safe, and positive. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you are free to leave the study at any time without giving a reason, which will not affect your family's normal NHS healthcare.

Locations (3)

FASD National Clinic
City only
Redhill, England
University of Salford Frederick Road Campus
Approximate
Salford, England
FASD Hub Scotland
City only
Banbury, England

Common questions

What is the SPECIFIC course?

SPECIFIC is a seven-week online training course designed with parents and doctors to help families learn practical ways to support a child diagnosed with FASD.

Do I have to pay to take part or travel anywhere?

No. The course is entirely free and takes place online via video calls, meaning you can join comfortably from your own home.

What happens if I am placed in the control group?

If you are in the control group, you will wait a short period while the first group completes their sessions, and then you will be given the full seven-week course afterwards.

Does my child need to attend the video sessions?

No. The sessions are designed specifically for parents and carers, so children do not take part in the group discussions.

Will taking part affect my child's regular medical care?

Not at all. Your child will continue to receive all of their usual NHS appointments, therapies, and school support as normal.

How to find out more

Penny Cook

p.a.cook@salford.ac.uk +44 (0)161 295 2804 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.