Substance Abuse and FASD
According to the SAMHSA Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Center for Excellence, approximately 40,000 babies are born in the US each year with an FASD. The term FASD is used to refer to a spectrum of four disorders, including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), fetal alcohol effects (FAE), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), and alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD).
Here you will find resources to support your work with young children with FASD and their families.
Landing Pad
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Landing Pad PDF | HTML
Articles & Handouts
Cognitive Changes May Be Only Sign of Fetal Alcohol Exposure (External Website)
Press Release
National Institutes of Health - July 23, 2012
According to a study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health and researchers in Chile, most children exposed to high levels of alcohol in the womb do not develop the distinct facial features seen in fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), but instead show signs of language delays, hyperactivity, attention deficits or intellectual delays. Check out this NIH press release for more information.
FASD Fact Sheets and Brochures (External Website)
FASD Center for Excellence
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
This What You Need to Know Series of handouts covers topics such as the physical effects of FASD; preventing FASD; effects of alcohol on a fetus; and other topics relevant to families of individuals with FASD and the professionals who support them.
Risk Factors for FASD PDF | HMTL
Institute for Health and Recovery
This brief resource lists developmental markers for children ages birth to 4+ and can be used as a guide to help service providers identify children who may be at risk for FASD.
Strategies for Addressing FASD – Birth through Adulthood PDF | HTML
Project FAST
Institute for Health and Recovery
This handout provides information about development and strategies to help children at ages 0-3 and 4-12, teenagers, and adults.
Tools
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Screen (Birth-3) PDF | HTML
Institute for Health and Recovery
This one page screening tool may be used to help identify children who may be at risk for FASD and in need of referrals for intervention.
Online Learning
Home Visiting with Families Affected by Substance Abuse and/or HIV (external website)
National Abandoned Infants Assistance (AIA) Resource Center
This free online module provides an introduction to the field of home visiting for those working with families facing these unique challenges. Viewers will acquire knowledge of the basic components of home visiting, such as scheduling visits,developing rapport, modeling skills, educating families, and respecting cultural differences. Practical safety precautions and avenues for professional growth are also addressed.
Websites & Programs
Perinatal Substance Abuse – Resources (external website)
National Abandoned Infants Assistance (AIA) Resource Center
This site offers links to publications and fact sheets, online tutorials, events, information about policy, and protocols.
