Neurobiomarkers of FASD for Adolescents and Adults in the Criminal Justice System: Portable Eye Tracking and EEG

About the Project

In Canada, an estimated 1M people live with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability with wide ranging impacts on brain and behaviour thatare linked with adverse outcomes. Studies suggest that over 60% of adults with FASD experience contact with the criminal justice system, and they are overrepresented in correctional and forensic settings at rates 30x that of the general population. They experience high rates of re-offending, health, and mental health problems, and have difficulty benefiting from traditional interventions in the justice system. Despite high numbers, there are currently no evidence-based ways of identifying adolescents or adults who could have FASD in the criminal justice system. Failure to identify people with FASD in this context can lead to increased risk of harm to self and others, recidivism, and high health, social, and economic costs. This study uses novel neurotechnologies, including eye movement behaviour and EEG recordings, to better understand how to identify adolescents and adults with FASD, including those in the criminal justice system. Portable technologies such as these may be used to detect people at risk of having FASD with a high degree of accuracy. These tools are non-invasive, precise, cost effective, and portable, and may allow for early identification of individuals in need of more comprehensive and costly clinical assessment, diagnostic, and intervention services. Findings from this research will be used to develop and implement fast, non-invasive, and affordable screening protocols to aid in large-scale screening for FASD in criminal justice settings. Identifying people who may have FASD may lead to effective use of limited economic and health resources to best support their complex needs.