Background: The association of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and fetal alcohol
spectrum disorders (FASD) results in a complex constellation of symptoms that complicates the
successful diagnosis and treatment of the affected individual. Current literature lacks formal guidelines,
randomized control trials, and evidence-based treatment plans for individuals with ADHD and associated
FASD. Therefore, a meeting of professional experts was organized with the aim of producing a
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consensus on identification and treatment guidelines that will aid clinicians in caring for this unique
patient population.
Methods: Experts from multiple disciplines in the fields of ADHD and FASD convened in London, United
Kingdom, for a meeting hosted by the United Kingdom ADHD Partnership (UKAP; www.UKADHD.com) in
June 2015. The meeting provided the opportunity to address the complexities of ADHD and FASD from
different perspectives and included presentations, discussions, and group work. The attendees worked
towards producing a consensus for a unified approach to ADHD and associated FASD.
Results: The authors successfully came to consensus and produced recommended guidelines with
specific regards to identification and assessment, interventions and treatments, and multiagency
liaisons and care management, highlighting that a lifespan approach to treatment needs to be adopted
by all involved. Included in the guidelines are: 1) unique ‘red flags’, which when identified in the ADHD
population can lead to an accurate associated FASD diagnosis, 2) a treatment decision tree, and 3)
recommendations for multiagency care management.
Conclusions: While clinically useful guidelines were achieved, more research is still needed to contribute
to the knowledge base about the diagnosis, treatment, and management of those with ADHD and
associated FASD.