Webinar Series: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) Formed Families Forward

This information session is designed to provide a foundation for understanding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and other neurobehavioral conditions with the FASCETS FA/NB model. There will be a discussion of primary and secondary characteristics and why they are important, and an introduction of some starter strategies to reduce stress and increase accommodations for your individual impacted by FASD. The intent is to provide a common language for parents, families, and professionals and to begin to make person centered accommodations to instill hope and reduce anxiety and stress.

Join Dr. Renee Turchi for this webinar on FASD diagnosis. She will overview the range of diagnostic categories within the fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) umbrella. Following her presentation, Dr. Turchi will respond to questions from audience members

It has been estimated that between 1% and 5% of school-aged children in areas of the United States are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). The effects from PAE combined with other factors, such as adverse experiences, have a detrimental impact on learning and school functioning. However, when provided interventions that focus on what children can do to increase their active engagement across settings, children affected by PAE can show improvements in learning. This talk will present a framework to convey the varied needs of children with PAE. The framework focuses on what children can do rather than their deficits or diagnostic label that may not capture children’s specific needs. Using this framework, the talk will examine some evidenced-based interventions for children with PAE as well as those from other disciplines that may address the range of learning needs.

Raising a child, youth or young adult with prenatal exposure to alcohol can be very challenging. School performance may be impacted and educational success may feel beyond reach. Appropriate educational supports and services make a difference for some students with FASD and related conditions. We will cover special education eligibility, trauma-informed IEP practices and other procedures that may be helpful for students with FASD and their families. Specific strategies for moving toward greater school success will be offered.