A registered nurse, Mrs Salmon highlighted deficiencies in New Zealand's response to the disorder in medical circles, in education and the justice system, in her 2006 book titled Fetal Alcohol Syndrome-New Zealand Birth Mothers' Experiences.
She also wrote a hard-hitting scientific article on fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), published recently in the Canadian Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
The eight mothers she had interviewed about their experiences for her book had described "a range of issues of concern for their disabled offspring and themselves [as advocates] relating to health, social, educational, judicial systems, lack of knowledge by professionals and problems in diagnosis".
The mothers, who had been drinking alcohol before becoming pregnant, now felt "oppressed and stigmatised", she wrote in the article.
Behavioural issues with their child with FASD included "excessive crying and no crying as a baby, lying, stealing, hyperactivity, aggressiveness, destructiveness, sexual promiscuity and few friends". The eight women were of middle to high socioeconomic status and all "feared for their child's future".
"Health, social, educational, judicial professionals, policy-makers and agencies need to understand and be educated in the daily realities and complex problems that children with FASD and their families face," she wrote.
Mrs Salmon, who has two University of Otago qualifications, including a master of health sciences degree, is undertaking her doctoral studies through Auckland University. She wants to recruit people with FASD who are 16 years of age or older to participate in her research.
New Zealand had a "strong culture of heavy alcohol use where alcohol abuse is considered to be normal social drinking", she noted.
There was evidence of an increase in excessive drinking among young women.
A 2002 study had reported that a quarter of pregnant new Zealand women at 24 weeks reported consuming alcohol in the previous seven days. In 2007, the New Zealand Government called for "zero" consumption of alcohol by pregnant women. In a 2004 study, 82.4% of women drinkers reported having stopped alcohol intake during pregnancy.
It was unclear whether alcohol intake among pregnant women was higher or lower now than it was 20 years ago, she said in an interview.
A full diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome itself described a pattern of facial abnormalities, including a flat mid-face, short upturned nose and thin upper lip, as well as growth deficiencies pre- or post-natally and central nervous system impairment.
Another related condition, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, was part of the overall spectrum of fetal alcohol disorder.
Early diagnosis was crucial, with outcomes for young people likely to be much better if FASD was confirmed before age 6.
"The mothers want the diagnosis. It's just a relief to them and they don't feel guilty because they knew nothing about it [while they were pregnant]."
This was a "hidden disability" and many doctors, teachers, police and court officials did not know enough about it.
More government funding was also needed, to provide teacher aides which could provide the "structured support" needed if young people with FASD were to flourish in mainstream schools, she said.
• People wishing to participate in her research were asked to contact her on phone 021 1768212 or via email: jvsalmon@ihug.co.nz.
