FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS florida resource guide

SECTION 5Effects of PrenatalAlcohol Exposure andIntervention StrategiesFig. 10 Neuropsychological TestsThe graph in Fig. 10 representsfindings from a study of abroad range of neuropsychologicaltests such as theWide Range AchievementTest, the Peabody PictureVocabulary Test, the BostonNaming Test, the Visual-Motor Integration Test, theGrooved Pegboard Test, andthe Children’s Category Test.Children with FAS or PEA(without FAS facial features)showed deficits in comparisonto the control groupUsed with permission. Matson, S.N., 1998.(CON), although there is someindication that the nonverbal measures (those on the right side) are not asimpaired as the verbal and academic measures. These findings indicatedthat children with FAS and those with PEA are similarly impaired(Mattson, Riley, Gramling, Delis, & Jones, 1998)..Secondary DisabilitiesThe best possible outcomes for an individual with FASD begin withearly diagnosis and intervention which can reduce: disruptedschooling, trouble with the criminal justice system, confinement orincarceration, inappropriate sexual behavior, alcohol and drugproblems, dependent living, and problems with employment becausethe organic problems of the child will be recognized from an early age(Streissguth, 1996).Without early diagnosis and intervention, children with FASDdevelop a range of secondary disabilities — disabilities that theindividual is not born with, and which could be ameliorated withappropriate interventions (Streissguth, et al, 1996).Ninety percent of individuals with FASD suffer with Mental Healthproblems, 60% have a disrupted school experience, 60% have troublewith the law, 58% are confined to a correctional system, drugtreatment program, or mental health facility, over 50% haveinappropriate sexual behavior, and 45% have drug or alcoholproblems.34 FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS florida resource guide