Introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder eLearning

Level: Advanced Practice – Lineworker, Supervisor

Credits: 1

Intended Audience: New and experienced lineworkers and supervisors

Intended Objectives:

• Describe the mechanism, effects and main neurological deficits of prenatal exposure to alcohol.
• Understand the diagnoses associated with FASD and their characteristics and prevalence.
• Recognize the neurobehavioral characteristics of FASD.
• Differentiate between primary and secondary disabling conditions.
• Identify the secondary disabilities associated with FASD and their cause and prevention.

Topics Include:

• Brief history of the link between alcohol and its effect on children in utero
• Scope of the problem
• Definition of terms associated with prenatal alcohol exposure
• Populations at risk
• Biology of prenatal exposure to alcohol
• Fetal Alcohol syndrome and characteristics
• Other diagnoses associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol
• Characteristics, behavioral teratogens, secondary disabilities
• Resources for families

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

3.6 Integrating knowledge of individual, family and cultural dynamics, the student
can recognize signs and symptoms of substance abuse in children and adults and
assess its impact.

3.8 Student demonstrates the ability to respectfully relate to, engage and assess
family members from a strengths-based “person in environment” perspective,
and to develop and implement a case plan based on this assessment.

3.11 Student recognizes the importance of working with biological families, foster
families and kin networks, as well as involving them in assessment and planning
strategies.