THE NEW JOURNAL of FAS INTERNATIONAL Advancing FASD Prevention and Care Through Research April 2003 J FAS

Int 2003;1:e1

e are very pleased to present the Journal of FAS International - J FAS Int - a new peer review journal dedicated to all aspects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

FASD is the most prevalent cause of developmental delay and brain insult. Affecting an estimated 0.3% to 1% of all offspring, victims of FASD face debilitating, and often devastating effects that last a lifetime. Unlike other developmental brain impairment, the etiology of FASD is known. Yet progress in prevention, diagnosis and management has been painfully slow. Many factors need to be addressed, including the role of poverty, homelessness, psychiatric morbidity, social disparity, other drugs of abuse, poor nutrition and lack of medical care during pregnancy. It is our hope that this new journal and on-line resource will advance the search for new knowledge and solutions. Presently, original research on FASD is published in numerous journals that focus on pediatrics, alcohol-related morbidity, and psychology -- to name a few. In deciding to establish the first scientific, peer review journal for FASD, we have made two critical choices: This journal will be web-based to allow unlimited access to clinicians, researchers, teachers, individuals affected by FASD (including parents, partners, siblings), program providers, community leaders and the public at large. The journal will be a one-stop shop. That is, in addition to publishing original research submitted to J FAS Int, our Editorial Board will select significant papers published elsewhere in the peer review literature, and report their findings. We will also offer critical appraisal of their content and quality. You can find this feature under " Scientific News."

To celebrate the inaugural volume of J FAS Int we have received and published an original paper from Dr. Paul Lemoine of Nantes, France. The 85 year-old pediatrician published in French the first evidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in a series of 127 cases. This evidence appeared first as an abstract in 1967 and later as a paper in 1968. Dr. Lemoine's personal story of his pursuit of the syndrome, and his follow-up of these original cases into adulthood, is a true treasure and legacy. We hope you find the content and format of J FAS Int useful in your practice, research and programs. We welcome your ideas about how to improve J FAS Int, and invite you to submit papers and letters. Cordially, Gideon Koren, MD, FRCPC Editor, J FAS Int Director, The Motherisk Program Professor of Pediatrics, Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Medicine, and Medical Genetics at the University of Toronto Senior Scientist, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto
J FAS Int 2003;1:e1 April 2003

Hospital for Sick Children 2003