Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) refers to the range of neurological impairments that can affect a child who has been exposed to alcohol in the womb. A number of factors can influence the abilities and disabilities experienced by individuals exposed to alcohol in utero. Children with FASD can display symptoms of ADHD, autism, Asperger syndrome, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy, intellectual disabilities, and various psychiatric disorders, but will often not respond to traditional treatments for those disabilities. FASD was formerly referred to as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE). This landing pad highlights research, policies, and position statements (Why Do It?), print materials (Read All About It), videos and DVDs (See for Yourself), and web resources (Find It Online) related to FASD. Featured resources are high-quality, readily available, and no-cost. A special section (Virginia Guidance) features state-specific resources.
The Center for Disease Control’s website on FASD has several sections that highlight evidence-based practices. Go to the Research section for studies and findings related to FASDs. Visit the Intervention Strategies section to view recent scientific articles related to supporting young children with FASD and their families (e.g., an evidence-based social skills intervention for children with prenatal alcohol exposure in a community mental health setting).
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/research.html (Research)
http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/research-intervention.html (Intervention Strategies)
Summaries of the latest research about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, including details on pregnancy, birth defects, causes, symptoms, and treatment, are provided in this free monthly online journal. http://fetalalcoholsyndrome.researchtoday.net
This article from Infants and Young Children reviews the latest research evidence, bearing in mind what is important to early intervention. The article also gives practical guidance on FASD prevention, methods for early screening, and referral of young children for diagnosis of FASD (and referral for needed services once diagnosed), and how to provide education, support, advocacy assistance, and anticipatory guidance for families raising children with FASD. http://depts.washington.edu/fasdpn/pdfs/olson2007.pdf
Photo Attribution - Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fetal_alcohol_syndrome
Visit this website to access an excellent PowerPoint presentation on causes and effects of FASD, as well as a rich section of intervention strategies. http://faimh.org/resourceFiles/resourceFile_50.pdf
This video tells the story of one family living with a child with FASD, emphasizing that family’s experiences, successes, and challenges. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/multimedia.html
FEN is an international organization serving families and professionals. They provide free informational packets on FAS/FAE, an international resource/referral directory catalogued by state/province, a quarterly newsletter (The FEN Pen), extensive loan library (videos, audio training tapes, books, fact sheets, etc.), and professional development. http://pregnancyandalcohol.org/fen/
The FASD Center is a federal initiative devoted to preventing and treating FASD. Their website provides information and resources about FASD, including an excellent searchable database. They also provide materials you can use to raise awareness about FASD. Additionally, the Center is dedicated to providing training, technical assistance, and conference/event speakers. http://fascenter.samhsa.gov
The Center for Disease Control’s website on FASD has loads of information on topics that range from diagnosis, data, and statistics to free materials (brochures, fact sheets, and training guides). http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/index.html
FAS-FRI is dedicated to the preservation of families through the identification, understanding and compassionate care of individuals disabled by prenatal alcohol exposure. The Institute offers a new parent information packet, has a reading list of articles and books, and collects information on physicians and researchers who treat/study FASD. http://www.fetalalcoholsyndrome.org
NOFAS is an organization committed to raising public awareness of FASD and to developing and implementing innovative ideas in prevention, education, intervention, and advocacy. http://www.nofas.org
This website provides a collection of books and articles on FASD. http://specialchildren.about.com/od/gettingadiagnosis/g/fetalalcohol.htm
The “Publications” section of the NIAAA website has resources for both family members and professionals. http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/PUBLICATIONS
The Virginia Department of Health has developed a brief fact sheet to provide answers to common questions about fetal alcohol syndrome. http://www.vahealth.org/vnsp/documents/2009/birthdefects/English%20-%20PDF%20 %20For%20Web/Fetal%20Alcohol%20Syndrome.pdf
On this site you can find information about the Community Services Boards (CSBs) and Behavior Health Authorities (BHAs) across the state that provide substance abuse services that may be helpful to parents. The CSBs/BHAs also provide an array of other supports, including mental health services and services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. http://www.vacsb.org
Virginia Commonwealth University
Partnership for People with Disabilities
www.eipd.vcu.edu
Integrated Training Collaborative
Infant and Toddler Connection of Virginia
Partnership for People with Disabilities
This professional development activity is supported by the Integrated Training Collaborative (ITC), with funding support from the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS), American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Copyright © 2012, Updated 2013.