Treatment
Working with children and families who have been affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders requires advocates, physicians, educators, case managers, judges, addiction professionals, counselors and adoptive families to become more aware and to act collectively in the individual’s best interest. Many of the strategies seem to be generalized for the entire spectrum but they are successful throughout the course of the life of the affected person. Depending on the specific diagnosis and age, new physical and mental health problems may occur during the lifetime that requires specific and more specialized effort. Expectations have to be realistic and appropriate to each person with FASD.
First Things First
In addition to differing approaches by population all strategies should be implemented keeping these suggestions in mind:
- Modify the environment
- Modify expectations
- Think younger or think "stage not age"
- Think perpetual innocence
- Make the world make sense
- Rethink, re-teach, respect
- See people not problems
Overall Treatment Strategies
- Assess risk factors
- Determine the need for further evaluation
- Appropriately refer
- Modify treatment, education and employment plans to increase individual success
Approaches by Population
Children
| Assessment | Services | Strategies |
|---|---|---|
|
Diagnostic evaluation Ongoing assessments
|
Family support Early intervention Case management |
Modify the environment
Use literal, concrete language and check for understanding Do not isolate the child |
Adolescents
| Assessment | Services | Strategies |
|---|---|---|
|
Ongoing Assessments
Diagnostic evaluation for an FASD Academic achievement Social skills Comprehension Pre-Employment |
Counseling
Educational Supports
Coaching and Mentoring |
Understand the need to blame others for their problems Start where the person is! Assist them in adjusting to a structured program or environment and learning how to trust new people Share rules early and often Provide opportunities to role-play or otherwise practice appropriate social behaviors Refusal skills training Work with the adolescent’s school on proven home strategies Use multiple approaches to learning Help set and adhere to boundaries |
Adults
| Assessment | Services | Strategies |
|---|---|---|
|
Ongoing Assessments
Revisit Diagnosis Employment Screens |
Transition Planning and Case Management
Mentoring Supported Employment Family involvement Counseling
|
Medical and Educational Treatment Plans should include:
Reduce stigma Modify expectations Modify environment Reduce unemployment Help make stable living arrangements Reduce family conflict Effective Communication
|
References Related to Treatment & Diagnosis
- Ohio FASD Generalist Training 2005-2009, OSU Center for Learning Excellence funded by the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services
- ACOG Drinking & Reproductive Health Prevention Tool Kit - Copyright 2006 A continuing education activity sponsored by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Supported by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- FASD Curriculum for Addiction Professionals Level 2, 2007, US Department of Health and Human Services, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
- Great Lakes FASD Regional Training Center, 2009, Framework for FASD Diagnosis