FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS florida resource guide

Importance of Early InterventionEarly Intervention is a critical element in determining the prognosisfor a child with FASD. The earlier in the child’s life that medical,clinical and educational interventions can be provided, the better theoutcome. Stable, structured, nurturing environments are necessary tosupport the child’s growth and development. Special needs pre-schoolprograms that are center-based and enroll parent and child can providethe most enriched experience. During the early years, the focus oftreatment should be on establishing healthy parent/child relationships,motor and language development and sensory processing development.Medical and nutritional needs should be monitored as well.SECTION 5Effects of PrenatalAlcohol Exposure andIntervention StrategiesTherapeutic Interventions must focus on all areas of development.Frequently, the child’s behavior becomes the target, withoutconsideration of the child’s degree of sensory, emotional and sociallevels of development. Although a clear plan for addressing behavior isnecessary, the focus must be on meeting the child’s needs. Many timesthe disorganized, aggressive or self-abusive behavior the chid ispresenting, stems from an under-aroused or over-aroused centralnervous system (CNS). Children with FASD have difficulty taking insensory information, integrating, organizing and processing it andthen developing an appropriate social response. Some sensory channels(auditory, tactile) may be overly-responsive to input (sensorydefensiveness), while others (vestibular, olfactory, gustatory) may beunder-responsive to input. Sensory processing deficits can result inpoor modulation of arousal and alertness resulting in emotionalinstability/ability, hyperactivity, behavioral disorganization andlearning problems. An evaluation by an Occupational Therapist whohas knowledge and experience in treating sensory processing issues canbe very beneficial. “Sensory diets” can be initiated between home/school which can assist with normalizing sensory processing. Anothertreatment intervention that may prove beneficial for these children isAuditory Integration Training (AIT).Emotional and social development can be enhanced by labeling feelingstates of the child or others. Model expression of feelings for the childand help them find safe ways to express their anger and frustration(hitting pillow, punching bag, etc.) Role play and mediate socialsituations so the outcome is positive. If the social situation is increasingthe arousal level of the child, remove him/her from the situation beforenegative behavior occurs. Reinforce all positive behavior. Do not takeit for granted. It is extremely difficult for these children to meet adult’sexpectations. Adapting the environment, the task or your expectationwill help these children experience a greater degree of success.FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS florida resource guide 35