FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SDSU Professor Appointed Chair of First U.S. Task Force on
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects
CONTACT: JoAnna Parrino Clark, jparrino@mail.sdsu.edu, (619) 594-5204
SAN DIEGO, Monday, Dec. 4, 2000 - Dr. Edward Riley, psychology professor at San Diego State University, has been appointed chair of the first U.S. National Task Force on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) by Donna E. Shalala, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.
"Dr. Riley's appointment reflects appropriately upon his career-long engagement in the study of behavioral causes, such as prenatal exposure to alcohol, which lead to abnormal development and birth defects, and identifying measures for prevention," said Dr. Fred Hornbeck, chair of the SDSU department of psychology. "His contributions are well recognized world wide."
Riley also directs the Center for Behavioral Teratology at SDSU, which is involved in the study of brain and behavioral changes associated with prenatal drug and alcohol exposure. Teratology is the scientific discipline involved with the study of birth defects.
The National Task Force will serve to foster coordination among government agencies, academic bodies, and community groups that conduct or support FAS and FAE research and programs. Furthermore, the Task Force will advise federal, state, and local programs concerning issues such as public awareness and education about the consequences of alcohol use during pregnancy.
"FAS is one of the leading known causes of mental retardation in the western world," said Dr. Riley. "These children affected by alcohol, especially those without the characteristics of FAS, often fall through the cracks in our support systems and because of the damage caused by their prenatal alcohol exposure they may have behavioral problems that eventually lead to their living on the fringes of society, winding up in jail, or becoming substance abusers themselves. The task force will begin to make recommendations at the highest levels for dealing with specific problems that affect these children and their families."
The Task Force will consist of 13 members who will meet two times annually from which they will generate a report to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on the current and planned activities of the participating agencies.
The Center for Disease Control, the agency overseeing the Task Force, defines FAS as a birth defect caused by a woman drinking heavily during pregnancy. Growth retardation, abnormal facial features and central nervous system problems characterize FAS. Children with FAS can have serious lifelong disabilities, including mental retardation, learning disabilities, and serious behavioral problems. Children with fetal alcohol effects (FAE) typically lack the facial features associated with FAS, but can still suffer similar learning difficulties and behavioral problems.
San Diego State University is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since it was founded in 1897, the University has grown to offer bachelor's degrees in 76 areas, master's degrees in 59 areas and 13 doctorates. Students participate in academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with professors and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. For more information, visit www.sdsu.edu.
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