RESOURCES FOR CHILDREN WITH FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) denotes a constellation of symptoms affecting the physical and cognitive development of children exposed to alcohol in utero. Although facial anomalies are the symptom most frequently associated with FASD, other challenges may include speech impediments, hyperactivity, poor impulse control, and delayed emotional development.

Early identification and treatment of FASD are essential, but it is often challenging to diagnose due to a lack of information about maternal alcohol use during pregnancy. Without proper diagnosis, it can be difficult to fully understand a child's delays and behaviors. This can make it challenging to provide children with the services they need.

Despite these barriers, there are several steps we can take to support children with FASD.  These steps begin with obtaining a comprehensive evaluation by a professional specializing in prenatal alcohol exposure and seeking appropriate early intervention services. This is particularly true for children in youth adopted from or in foster care.

Children and youth with FASD are less likely to be raised by their biological parents, resulting in higher rates of FASD in the foster care population. The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome reports that approximately 70 percent of children involved with the child welfare system have been prenatally exposed to alcohol. It is therefore extremely important that child welfare professionals, foster parents, and adoptive parents understand the symptoms and effective interventions designed to address FASD.

The resources below will help to foster and support your understanding of FASD, as well as strategies to support children with FASD throughout the lifespan. Reading/watching all materials included in these resources will provide 1.5 hours of in-service training credit. 

FASD Treatments from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention

No two people with an FASD are exactly alike. FASDs can include physical or intellectual disabilities, as well as problems with behavior and learning. These symptoms can range from mild to severe. Treatment services for people with FASDs should be different for each person depending on the symptoms. Several types of treatments are available for people with FASDs. They can generally be broken down into 5 categories. Learn more about these treatment options here. 

5 Sanity Saving Tips for Kids with FASD

Adoptive and foster parents are on the front lines of the crisis of prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD. Parenting kids with FASD is not always easy, but neither is being a kid with FASD. Check out the 5 sanity-saving tips for kids with FASD from Creating a Family here. 

FASD: Identification & Interventions (QPI Training Video)

Parenting children with FASD can be the ultimate parenting challenge. These children can exhibit sleep problems, eating difficulties, and sensory processing disorders, creating poor regulation of behavior and emotions. This workshop video will introduce child-specific strategies to help promote executive functioning and self-regulation skills. Watch the video here. 

Don't forget to complete your continuing education credit report for each training you complete. This will help to ensure that you are receiving credit for any training hours completed and that those hours are applied to your 12 hours per year in-service requirements.

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