Description

This presentation provides a comprehensive overview of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), tailored for counseling professionals. It aims to enhance awareness, intervention skills, and prevention strategies related to prenatal alcohol exposure. Key topics include diagnostic criteria for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), neurodevelopmental and behavioral characteristics of FASDs, and the social and structural challenges affecting identification and care. Emphasis is placed on the importance of early recognition, reducing stigma, and fostering interprofessional collaboration.

The presentation also addresses common co-occurring disorders, frequent misdiagnoses, and the impact of maternal and environmental risk factors. It highlights evidence-based prevention models, including CHOICES and SBIRT, and discusses screening tools like the USAUDIT. Counseling professionals are encouraged to adopt nonjudgmental, trauma-informed approaches and consider the broader context in which women may consume alcohol during pregnancy. The presentation concludes with recommendations for prevention, intervention, and care coordination, especially for underserved populations. Overall, it positions counselors as vital contributors to early intervention, long-term support, and advocacy in addressing FASDs.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this presentation, participants will:

• Describe the diagnostic criteria, neurodevelopmental impacts, and common co-occurring conditions associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs).

• Identify evidence-based prevention and screening strategies to reduce the risk of alcohol-exposed pregnancies.

• Demonstrate trauma-informed, nonjudgmental approaches to support individuals and families affected by FASDs, while addressing stigma and barriers to care

Presented by:

Sandra J. Gonzalez, PhD, LCSW

Continuing Education Units:

1.5 CEUs

Certification Board Information

This training is approved for continuing education units by the boards listed here. Additional specifications can be found below.

NAADAC (The Association for Addiction Professionals)

This course has been approved by CASAT, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for the below # of CEUs. NAADAC Provider #98165. CASAT is responsible for all aspects of its programming.

CEUs: 2

Skills Groups

This course applies to the following Client Skill Groups as defined by NAADAC:

• Clinical Intake and Screening

• Clinical Assessment

• Treatment Plan

• Counseling Services

• Case Management

NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors)

CASAT has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6492. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CASAT is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. (Continuing education hours and CEU's are synonymous for purposes of issuing CEU's from CASAT Learning)

Qualifies for NBCC Credit: No

NCB (Nevada Certification Board)

This course is not approved by the Nevada Certification Board.

Presentation materials are not for reproduction or distribution without specific written authorization. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in our courses are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of CASAT.

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