For nine years, I have worked with individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and their families as a FASD Keyworker and Neurodivergent Psychotherapist. I have provided counselling to both children and adults. I completed a master's capstone project on FASD, reviewing studies that confirm that alcohol use before and during pregnancy, as well as during lactation, can cause FASD. This condition can affect the DNA of male sperm and female eggs. FASD has a wide range of comorbid mental disorders that include ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, personality disorders, or bipolar disorder.

As a Psychotherapist, I focus on FASD prevention within communities. I also conduct follow-up assessments and counsel parents on processing their emotions, understanding their children's behaviours, and developing effective parenting strategies.

I provide therapy to the above comorbid mental disorders.

I presented my capstone project at the FASD United International Conference in 2026.

I have attached the cover and abstract of my Capstone project below.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: An Exploration of Causes, Prevention, and Supports

Moheb Attaalla

School of Health & Social Science, City University of Seattle in Canada

CPC 695: Capstone Research Project Primer

Master of Counselling Program - Virtual Program

Dr. Renee Schmidt

July 30, 2025

Abstract

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a complicated, epigenetic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the parents' consuming alcohol preconception and maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and lactation. The discussion explores the paternal contribution to FASD via epigenetic-mediated alterations in sperm, and the seldom-studied influence of maternal alcohol consumption on oocyte quality and postnatal offspring outcomes. This review integrates animal and human research to demonstrate how alcohol perturbs neurodevelopmental trajectories, guided by neurodevelopmental, epigenetic, and ecological systems theories within a biopsychosocial framework. Integrative thematic synthesis is employed to systematically collect and appraise empirical research on the intergenerational effects of alcohol. The discussion highlights the need for inclusive, trauma-informed, and culturally safe public health interventions, arguing for a shift away from the blame placed on mothers to an understanding of dual parental responsibility for reproductive health. Ultimately, this review aims to enhance FASD prevention through preconception counselling, widespread screening, and system changes that support disadvantaged populations. This paper also seeks to increase the knowledge of young couples about the harmful impact of alcohol before, during, and after pregnancy. It suggests the shared responsibility of both parents. It offers new knowledge to mental health professionals, counsellors, and policymakers striving to reduce stigma and to promote resilience in families living with FASD. Keywords: Biopsychosocial framework, counselling, epigenetics, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), intervention, Neuro Behavioural Disorder associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE), parental alcohol consumption, prevention, public health