No abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure in amounts sufficient to cause permanent deficits in brain functioning. Extent of damage largely depends on timing, dose, frequency, and pattern of exposure. Timing is especially important because prenatal alcohol exposure during critical periods of gestation can affect brain development in ways that produce varying patterns of neurocognitive deficits and associated adaptive impairments. This article describes some of the more serious neurophysiological and neuropsychological sequelae of prenatal alcohol exposure that contribute to increased risk for substance abuse problems among people with an FASD. We discuss the unique interface between pharmacological treatment and FASD, noting that failure to consider the possibility of FASD in treatment planning may result in treatment failure and/or relapse. Finally, we present a clinical case example and recommend service accommodations to address some of the impairments in FASD that limit substance abuse treatment success.

This study examined associations between parent-child interactions and the development of social skills in 42 children (21 typically developing and 21 with autism spectrum disorders) between the ages of 3 years, 0 months and 6 years, 11 months. We expected that positive parent-child interaction qualities would be related to children's social skills and would mediate the negative relation between children's developmental status (typical development vs autism spectrum disorders) and social skills. Videotapes of parents and children during a 5-min wordless book task were coded for parent positive affect and emotional support as well as parent-child cohesiveness. Emotional support and cohesiveness were significantly related to children's social skills, such that higher emotional support and cohesiveness were associated with higher social skills, R (2) = .29, p = .02, and R (2) = .38, p = .002, respectively. Additionally, cohesiveness mediated the relation between children's developmental status and social skills. These findings suggest that parent emotional support and cohesiveness between parents and children positively influence children's social skills. Parent positive affect was unrelated to social skills. Implications of these findings for social skills interventions are discussed, particularly for young children with autism spectrum disorders.

Sparrow, J., Grant, T., Connor, P., & Whitney, N. (2013). The value of the neuropsychological assessment for adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A case study. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 2(3), 79-86. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.107 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.107)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that reflects the range of potential effects resulting from Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE). Individuals with FASD may demonstrate cognitive, functional and adaptive challenges that are as debilitating as those experienced by individuals with the full fetal alcohol syndrome. This case study describes a young mother with PAE who was enrolled in a three-year intensive case management program and who was suspected of having FASD. Authors describe the neuropsychological battery that was administered and how assessment results were used to help members of a multidisciplinary team reframe their thinking and respond to the client’s neuropsychological strengths and impairments by adjusting their language, expectations and interventions accordingly. Recognized as a valued member throughout the assessment and intervention process, the client learned to develop strategies that supported her autonomy and self-advocacy.