The URJC signs its commitment to those affected by FASD

Raul Garcia Hemonnet

The rector of the URJC, Javier Ramos, ratifies today the commitment of the Rey Juan Carlos University to those affected by FASD with the signing of the collaboration agreement that certifies the cooperation between the university and the association of relatives of those affected, Visual TEAF.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) encompass different conditions in patients whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most serious condition on the spectrum, but people with FASD can experience a multitude of physical, mental, behavioral, or learning difficulties.

Two years of fruitful cooperation

With this signature, a collaboration that has already lasted two years is made official and that has allowed the Rey Juan Carlos University, through its University Clinic, to set up the first FASD unit in Spain in which a "multidisciplinary approach with participation of psychology, occupational therapy, neuropsychology, physiotherapy, psychiatry and nursing professionals, who coordinate to offer the patient the most appropriate treatment for their needs”, as can be read on the clinic's website.

According to Pilar Laguna, professor at the Rey Juan Carlos University and member of the Visual TEAF team, “the unit is a pioneer in diagnosis, a very complicated task because it requires specialists in medicine and psychology, and in the treatment of this disorder. The families are very happy with the work that is being done on it.” Treatments for both children and adults are developed in this unit.

With the signing, the collaboration between the two entities will intensify. The first example of this is the launch of a multisensory room that will improve and speed up the diagnosis of the disorder. In addition, the Community of Madrid has been asked to carry out a prevalence study on FASD, a proposal that is being analyzed by the regional government. A third project that will be developed within the agreement between the URJC and Visual TEAF is the creation of an ERASMUS+ program that enables professionals from the world of sports as coaches or monitors to work with boys and girls affected by TEAF, especially, Laguna points out “ through team sports, in which, due to the cognitive difficulties they suffer, they have more difficulties”.

With the ratification of this collaboration, the URJC, through its University Clinic, takes a firm step in its commitment to those affected by FASD and in its determination to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this disorder, as well as the quality of life of those affected by FASD. affected and their families.

Accompanying the rector of the URJC were also Mercedes del Valle, president of Visual TEAF; Diego Gómez, director of the University Clinic and Professor Pilar Laguna.