20/21 September 2001 - Research Workshop on Fatty Acids in Neurodevelopmental Disorders (FAND 2001)

FAND 2001 Workshop - Scope and Purpose

The first research Workshop on New Approaches to Neurodevelopmental Disorders was held in Inverness in 1999. This involved researchers from a wide range of different disciplines, addressing as a central theme the biological and metabolic basis of several common and overlapping neurodevelopmental disorders including dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and the autistic spectrum. This event was an outstanding success, and many of the contributions were published in a special issue of 'Prostaglandins, Leukotrienes and Essential Fatty Acids (Vol 63 (1-2), July 2000). It was agreed that this workshop should be the first of an ongoing series, and central issues noted as reference points for regular review and update included:

• The importance of interdisciplinary approaches when dealing with neurodevelopmental disorders such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autistic spectrum disorders;
• Difficulties in the identification and diagnosis of these developmental disorders, and the need for both early identification and early interventions to minimise the negative impact of these conditions;
• The comorbidity and other associations between these disorders, in contrast with the very separate ways in which they are commonly treated;
• The possibilities that new biochemical approaches can offer in understanding the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders, and improving identification and diagnosis;
• The potential use of nutritional approaches, and particularly fatty acid supplements, in preventing and managing these conditions.

The second research workshop - FAND 2001 - attracted an extremely impressive range of contributors, and provided a timely update on this rapidly expanding field of research. Oral presentations were organised into seven themes broadly reflecting the central issues noted above:

1. An overview of fatty acid metabolism in neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders.
2. Diagnostic and management issues in dyslexia, dyspraxia, ADHD and the autistic spectrum.
3. and 4. Immunological and other biochemical factors in neurodevelopmental disorders.
5. Methods and techniques for investigating fatty acid metabolism.
6. Nutrition in neurodevelopment and the role of fatty acids.
7. Randomised controlled trials of nutritional treatments in psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders.

The eighth and final session was set aside for interactive discussion to review findings from the meeting and identify key issues of consensus or controversy. The aim was to achieve a consensus statement on both current research and future recommendations.

Attached below is a brief abstract introducing the Workshop with some potential key issues highlighted for further discussion throughout the meeting.

Also attached is what was the final programme for the Workshop.