The purposes of this paper are to increase understanding of the connection between serious emotional disturbances and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and to raise awareness of the unique diagnostic challenges and treatment needs of children who have FASD and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. (The term co-occurring disorder describes the presence of a psychiatric disorder and a disorder such as FASD that is related to substance use.) Robust studies of evidence-based interventions for this population are lacking. The main goal of this paper is to highlight both the lack of such studies and the pressing need for specialized interventions that can help address the challenges faced by children with psychiatric disorders within the FASD population.
The Improving Awareness and Treatment of Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Co-Occurring Psychiatric Disorders report is provided by Disability Service Center, JBS International
Video resources on FASD for teachers and families from Oregon Behavior Consultation.
Featured presenter Nate Sheets, a behavior consultant and parent coach with over 12 years of experience working with children and adults with developmental disabilities. He specializes in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), trauma, and cognitive skills, hosts a website Cognitive Supports with additional resources.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. These effects can include physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. Often, a person with an FASD has a mix of these problems.
Kids’ Quest on FASD from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has information with what you should know, quick facts and other resources.
Trying Differently Rather than Harder: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders written by Diana Malbin, provides a readable, narrative discussion of the neurobehavioral approach for working effectively with children, adolescents and adults with FASD.