Dr. Joanne Weinberg

Challenge The study of epigenetics—how the environment influences gene expression—is a promising avenue when it comes to better understanding FASD. In the absence of the characteristic facial dysmorphology or confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure, it is very challenging to confirm an FASD diagnosis. Therefore, there is a considerable need to identify biomarkers of exposure that one [...]

Challenge Children are usually school-aged by the time they receive a diagnosis for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. However, evidence indicates that early intervention is beneficial. Having reliable biomarkers to detect changes related to prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) could allow clinicians to identify FASD in children at a younger age and therefore provide earlier access to [...]

Challenge Prenatal alcohol exposure is a major cause of behavioural and cognitive deficits in children. Despite extensive research, a unique neurobehavioral profile for children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure has yet to be identified. This research project addressed how genetic and environmental factors interact with prenatal alcohol exposure to produce neurobehavioural and neurobiological deficits in [...]