Revue systématique des thérapeutiques psychomotrices validées pour les enfants présentant un trouble du spectre de l’alcoolisation fœtale

Introduction

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a category of neurodevelopmental disorders resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol, with a prevalence similar to that of autism, affecting approximately 1% of births in France. Despite their significant impact on the lives of affected children and their families, research on validated therapies to assist individuals with FASD has been limited compared to other neurodevelopmental disorders. This literature review aims to provide an overview of knowledge regarding psychomotor therapies that have shown positive outcomes on the psychomotor, cognitive, and social functions of children with FASD.

Methods

A systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines covered a 20-year period (2002–2022). The search included studies, published in French or English, with or without control groups, examining the effectiveness of psychomotor therapies in children and adolescents with FASD.

Results

Out of 1198 references, ten studies involving a total of 296 children with FASD (10 to 100 patients per study) were selected. Nine of these studies included a control group. Interventions such as the “Alert Program® for Self-Regulation”, “Cognitive Control Therapy”, specific training programs for attention or social skills were identified as psychomotor interventions with the highest level of evidence of effectiveness in areas frequently disrupted in children with FASD (emotional management, cognitive functions, and social skills). Replication of studies, predominantly conducted in North America, and more detailed exploration of sensorimotor difficulties or interventions aiming to address them, remain to be carried out. As with other neurodevelopmental disorders, multimodal and early psychomotor interventions appear to be the most useful. The playful dimension and parental involvement are described as essential ingredients contributing to the effectiveness of each psychomotor therapeutic approach.