Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Silent Epidemic for 1 in 20 - UNC School of Social Work Clinical Lectures and Institutes

Date and Time: December 14, 2021 | 12-1:30pm

Program Description:

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a spectrum of conditions resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol, which is the leading cause of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Those with FASD experience challenges in behavioral, emotional, and cognitive functioning. One in 20 children have FASD. Unfortunately, less than 10% are diagnosed, and many have a missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis which can result in inappropriate therapeutic techniques and medications. Early identification and diagnosis are needed to offer appropriate supports and accommodations and to improve lifelong outcomes.

Speakers:

Kathy Hotelling, PhD, ABPP, is a licensed clinical psychologist with a career spanning over 30 years in university settings and private practice. In 2007, she started studying Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in depth, initially to assist her daughter, and then to consult and help other families. In 2018, Dr. Hotelling co-founded NCFASD Informed.

Alison Parker, PhD, is a developmental psychologist and Research Scientist with training in the areas of social-emotional development, and expertise in developing school-based and online prevention programs, web-based resources, and assessment tools for youth and adults. She is a member of the NCFASD Informed board.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

Describe and distinguish between fact and myth of FASD
Classify characteristics of FASD into primary and secondary categories
Identify at least 2 other types of diagnoses that have behaviors similar to those of FASD

References:

May, P. A., Chambers, C. D., Kalberg, W. O., Zellner, J., Feldman, H., Buckley, D., Kopald, D., Hasken, J. M., Xu, R., Honerkamp-Smith, G., Taras, H., Manning, M. A., Robinson, L. K., Adam, M. P., Abdul-Rahman, O., Vaux, K., Jewett, T., Elliott, A. J., Kable, J. A., Akshoomoff, N., … Hoyme, H. E. (2018). Prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in 4 US communities. JAMA, 319(5), 474–482. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.21896

Popova, S., Dozet, D., & Burd, L. (2020). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Can we change the future? Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 44(4), 815–819. https://doi.org/10.1111/acer.14317