Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Competency VI – Treatment Across the Life Span The Arctic FASD Regional Training Center is a project of the UAA Center for Behavioral Health Research & Services. Funding for this project is provided by CDC Cooperative Agreement #U84DD

Concerns across the life span for individuals with an FASD Providers: Approaches to treatment for FASDs Family support services and resources Road Map for Presentation

FASD is an umbrella term Describes range of effects caused by prenatal alcohol exposure FAS is a subset of FASD Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders Terminology of FASD Image source: State of Alaska Division of Health and Social Services FASD 101: Insights into Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

Concerns Across the Lifespan Typical development Standard sequence of milestones Roll, sit, crawl, cruise, walk, run Developmental delay = not meeting milestones on time Developmental disabilities arise when children Have a slowed rate of development Achieve skills in a non-routine sequence or manner Different or scattered development Proceeds in an atypical sequence,/child uses an unusual pathway/skills develop unevenly across domains Often results in ‘peaks and valleys’

Concerns Across the Lifespan Infants Toddlers and preschoolers School-age children Adolescents and teens Adults Families and caregivers

Infants Common issues related to FASDs Sensory Motor Physical Require close monitoring and evaluation Image by

Toddlers and Preschoolers Areas of concern Fine and gross motor delays Regulatory problems Attention difficulties Sensory difficulties Physical health Other diagnoses

School-Age Children Common issues related to FASDs Attention Cognitive Visual-spatial Social skills

Adolescents and Teens Common issues related to FASDs Mood disorders Substance abuse Social skills “Hidden Disability”

Adults Presented disability vs. actual disability Difficulty with abstract thinking High risk for victimization Benefit from case management and ongoing support

Families and Caregivers Families with an individual experiencing FASD can benefit from counseling and resources Stable home environment is crucial Families and caregivers can benefit from specific techniques shown to be helpful

Approaches to Treatment used by Health Providers Medical Mental Health Psychopharmacological Behavioral Educational Alternative approaches

Medical FASD-related concerns need to be addressed through a variety of healthcare providers Role of a primary care provider Case management Referrals Guidance

Behavioral & Mental Health Role of provider Identification Evaluation Care & treatment through the life span Psychopharmacological No medications currently approved specifically for FASDs Some medications may be prescribed to address common symptoms

Education Early intervention programs Educational Interventions Special education placement 504 plans Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Adaptive Interventions Project Bruin Buddies MILE Program ALERT Parent Therapy

Alternative Approaches Biofeedback Auditory training Relaxation therapy/meditation Creative art therapy Exercise Yoga Acupuncture/massage Vitamins/herbal/ homeopathy

Family Support Services and Resources Parenting strategies Disability services Legal system Resources

Parenting Strategies Keys to working with children with FASD Structure Consistency Variety Brevity Persistence Repetition Family/caregiver needs Birth mother needs

Disability Services Individuals with an FASD may qualify for: Supported employment/job coach Assistance with transportation Assisted living care Respite care Social Security disability benefits Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Legal System Adolescents and adults may experience issues in the legal system Victims Perpetrators Individuals with an FASD may need a mentor or advocate to help them navigate the legal system

Resources Websites Newsletters Support Groups Seminars for Families

Resources: Websites Arctic FASD Regional Training Center Office of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Alaska Youth and Family Network Stone Soup Group

Resources: Websites National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Alcohol-Related Birth Injury (FAS/FAE) Resource Site Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) FASD Center for Excellence fasdcenter.samhsa.gov

Resources: Websites Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Consultation, Education and Training Services Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Support, Training, Advocacy, and Resources The Arc of the United States The Arc’s Family Resource Guide:

Resources: Newsletters FASt Facts A monthly newsletter produced by the Arctic FASD Regional Training Center. To subscribe, visit lists.uaa.alaska.edu/mailman/listinfo/fastfacts Weekly Roundup A weekly newsletter of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. To subscribe, visit

Resources: Support Groups National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) (National Resource Directory) (800) 66-NOFAS. FASLink Listserv (internet list) for individuals, families and professionals: FAS Community Resource Center Lists different types of support groups

Resources: Support Groups Circle of Hope An international mentoring program designed to connect birth mothers and other family members who have family members with FASDs. To subscribe, go to Family Empowerment Network (FEN) A national resource, referral, support, and research program serving families living with FASDs and the providers who work with them. There is no fee to join FEN: pregnancyandalcohol.org

Resources: Seminars for Families There are FASD conferences and workshops held throughout the year around the world. NOFAS maintains a current calendar of FASD and related topic conferences and workshops. Stone Soup Group and other Alaska-based agencies often hold seminars and workshops on a variety of topics related to disabilities, including FASDs.

In closing… Concerns across the lifespan for individuals with an FASD Providers: Approaches to treatment for FASDs Family support services and resources

Arctic FASD Regional Training Center The Arctic FASD Regional Training Center is a project of the UAA Center for Behavioral Health Research & Services. Funding for this project is provided by CDC Cooperative Agreement #U84DD