Ask The Experts: Shelly Bania, FASD Prevention Specialist/Program Coordinator, CARE
Q: "The school psychologist is encouraging me to have my child screened for FASD - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders - as part of their overall assessment? I've never heard of FASD. What does an FASD screen look like and what does this mean for my daughter? I mean, I did drink before I knew I was pregnant - but my doctor said not to worry about it."
A: First, let me say, no mother wants to willfully harm her child. 50% of our pregnancies today are unplanned and for many people social drinking is a part of their everyday. However, we do know that any amount of alcohol does pose a risk to the developing fetus and can affect development in seemingly subtle ways. For example, does your child frequently melt-down during a routine trip to the grocery store?
She was fine before you walked through the doors, and now her behavior - screaming, kicking, grabbing - is puzzling, at best, and most likely leaves you feeling annoyed, embarrassed, and thinking she is behaving very poorly, even willfully so.
Her meltdown is not willful misbehavior if what's behind the behavior is really sensory integration issues due to prenatal alcohol exposure. Learning this leads may lead to understanding the behavior and responding to it in a very different way. She's melting down because the lights are bright, the smells are VERY strong, and the noise is too much for her to process all at once. Her brain is on "sensory overload", but she doesn't know it and can't express that to you.
Having your child screened for a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is just that - a screen. It consists of a conversation, reviewing medical records, and analyzing a digital photo of your child's face. It can and does play a significant role in having a comprehensive assessment of your child and can lead to learning more about how she thinks, acts, and learns.
A positive screen is not a diagnosis. The next step would be a referral for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. FASD staff can assist you in every action step along the way - providing education and support, as well as some financial assistance.
Including an FASD screen as part of a comprehensive Early-On or IEP pre-evaluation is an opportunity to address any concerns early, rather than later. Research shows that early intervention, supports, and services, goes a long way in an individual's success in living with an FASD.
Shelly Bania is the FASD program coordinator and project director for FASD ACHIEVE, part of a national initiative through SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence to provide early FASD diagnosis and intervention, at CARE (Community Assessment Referral & Education) of Fraser & Grosse Pointe Woods. Contact CARE at 586.541.0033 for more information about FASD, screening, and services. Visit their Website @ careofmacomb.com.
SAVE THE DATE
Are Your Kids at Risk? Unexpected Dangers
Tues. May 11, 2010 (7pm)
Presenters: Mark Menestrina MD, Gary Wilson and Randall Cain, Attorneys at Law and Lynda Zott, CARE Youth Assistance Program
St. Michael's Episcopal Church (20475 Sunningdale Park, Grosse Pointe Woods, next to Parcells School)
No fee. RSVP by May 4 at 313.432.3832
More info about the event...
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
