FASD
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a term that encompasses a wide range of symptoms caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of these disorders, but there are others that fall under this “umbrella” diagnosis. The CDC roughly estimates 1 out of 1000 children is affected by an FASD upwards to 9 out of 1000 or up to 5% of the entire USA population. Increased public awareness of FASD can help children with potentially unrecognized disabilities receive the treatment they need. Furthermore, it can contribute to fewer cases of alcohol use during pregnancy. Even light drinking can lead to serious problems in fetuses (https://inalliancepse.org/fasd-guide/).
Why is FASD important to me?
I have training in the Families Moving Forward (FMF) Program. I can do in person in Noblesville, Indiana, or online. I have a heart and passion to support parents of children with an FASD, as I am a parent of two precious kids with an FASD myself.
I am currently accepting two new families for this program. Potential families please reach out to me at streamsinthedeserttherapy@gmail.com to see if you might be a good fit for this program.
What is Families Moving Forward (FMF)?
“FMF is an evidence-based intervention to help families raising children who are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure, with or without a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) diagnosis. The FMF program combines a positive behavior support (PBS) approach with motivational interviewing (MI) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help parents change their own knowledge and attitudes about PAE and FASDs, leading to improvements in their child’s behavior” (https://familiesmovingforwardprogram.org). It is designed to target parents of children between ages 3-13 years old.