Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Interventions

The considerable variability in the type and extent of deficits of FASD has led to the development of efficacious interventions becoming a particular challenge. A diagnosis of FAS or the identification of an FASD does not lend itself to a single effective treatment practice that could target the entire range of neurobehavioral problems which an individual may have (Hannigan and Berman, 2000). The various combinations of physical, mental, behavioral, and learning/educational problems among individuals with PAE highlight the complexity of these disorders, and the necessity for interventions that are problem-specific as well as flexible.

Rather than confront the entire scope of the disorder – which may be overwhelming and unfeasible – specific behavioral problems should be identified in order to direct specific treatments (Hannigan and Berman, 2000). For example, recent research into interventions for FASD has demonstrated the efficacy of targeted treatments for social skills impairment associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (Paley and O ' Connor, 2009).

In addition to intervening with alcohol-exposed individuals to mitigate the deficits and consequences of PAE, treatment practices should focus on providing education and support to the families and caregivers of these individuals. The consequences of FASD extend far beyond the experiences of affected individuals. Both biological and foster parents often experience high levels of stress associated with dealing with their child's impairments (Paley et al., 2006). Many foster parents have expressed their need for more education about FASD, parenting skills training, social support, and professional services to help raise a child with alcohol- related disabilities (Brown, Sigvaldason, and Bednar, 2004).

In fact, it has been shown that educating parents and caregivers to realize that the origins of their child's behavioral problems are rooted in brain changes may help them become more understanding and respond to their child in a more supportive manner (Paley and O' Connor, 2009). Interventions should address the issues of the families of those affected by PAE in order to improve their own adjustment and functioning, as well as that of their child.

Current research supports the efficacy of numerous treatment approaches for individuals with FASD as well as their caregivers (as reviewed in Paley and O' Connor, 2009). These treatments include educational and cognitive interventions, parenting interventions, and adaptive skills training. Children exposed to alcohol during pregnancy present with an array of neuropsychological deficits such as overall lower intelligence performance, impaired learning and memory and executive functioning, attention deficits, and hyperactivity. These impairments often result in educational difficulties, including inferior school performance (Mattson et al., 1998), learning disabilities (Burd et al., 2003), and classroom behavioral problems (Carmichael Olson et al., 1991).