Janet E. Huggins, Ph.D., Therese Grant, Ph.D., Kieran O’Malley, M.B., D.A.B.P.N. & Ann P. Streissguth, Ph.D. from the Fetal Alcohol and Drug Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington have published an article on the risks of suicide among persons with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the APRIL/MAY/JUNE 2008 (VOLUME 11 - NUMBER 2) edition of Mental Health Aspects of Developmental Disabilities. 

People diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have neuropsychological deficits that may contribute to increased risk for suicide. This paper describes clinical profiles of eleven individuals with FASD and differentiates six who attempted suicide from five who did not, with regard to risk and protective factors. Attempters were more likely to have mental health disorders, substance abuse disorders, a history of trauma or abuse, financial stress, and unstable social support compared to non-attempters. We discuss ways in which clinicians can reduce risk among individuals with FASD by modifying standard suicide assessment and intervention protocols to accommodate the person’s deficits.