Blue & You: Identification, Treatment, and Education of the Behavioral Health Conditions Associated with Prenatal Exposure to Drugs and Alcohol
Project Description:
This project will focus on the prevention, education, and idfentification of individuals that have had prenatal substance exposure (PSE) to drugs andb/or alcohol. This study will allow a group of researchers to conduct activities for prevention, identification and training for people with PSE in Arkansas. The goal of the project is to develop a siustainable piot program to identify and train others on the behavioral health consitions associated with PSE theour the following objectives:
1. a cluster study using survey-based surveillance of PSE in high-risk polulations,
2. development of a billable model for an interdisclipinart diagnostic team specializing in behavioral health condisionts associated with PSE, and
3. modification of existing positive behavior support (PBS) trainings to include a subsection specific to behavioral health conditions associated with PSE and development of training modules on characteristics, evidence-based interventions, and available resources for families.
Prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol is shockingly common with about 1 in 7 pregnancies exposed and 5% of them exposed to one or more additional addictive substances. This population is highly stigmaticed and minimally supported, with fewer than 1% diagnosed appropriately. SInce the common presentation of symptoms includes executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, sensory processing disorders and mood disorders, these children are often diagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, and other psynicatric conditions that increase the likelihood that they are placed in self-contained classrooms, alternative learning environments, inpatient psychiatric facilities, or shelters for teen identified as having behavioral health conditions. When these erroneous diagnoses are applied to these children, the teachers, caregivers and even parents believe that the behaviors are a pattern of willful non-compliance rather than the result of brain damage. The interventions utilized with these psychiatric conditions are not effective with children with FASD and often result in a pattern of placements that ultimately lead to contact with the justice system and prison.
This project is focused on providing education, training, and coaching to build a diagnostic network of practicioners that recognize FASD, diagnose it appropriately and provide recommendations for appropiate evidence-based treatment.
Keyword(s):
FASD, NDD-PAE, Strengths-based Screening
Core Function(s):
Performing Research or Evaluation, Developing & Disseminating Information, Continuing Education/Community Training, Demonstration Services
Area of Emphasis
Quality Assurance, Health-Related Activities, Other
Target Audience:
Professionals and Para-Professionals, Family Members/Caregivers, Legislators/Policy Makers, General Public
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas, Rural/Remote, Specific Groups
Primary Target Audience Geographic Descriptor:
State, Regional, National, International
COVID-19 Related Data:
N/A
