FASD Overview for Mental Health Professionals

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Review for Mental Health Professionals

by Jerrod Brown, Adam L. Piccolino, Anthony Wartnik, Anne Russell & Tina Andrews
5 October 2021
Minnesota Psychological Association

"Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) affects the lives of millions of individuals ... and is associated with a vast array of physiological, psychiatric, and neurological consequences that can significantly impair behavioural, emotional, developmental, and social functioning. Our experience tells us that individuals with suspected or confirmed FASD are likely to come in contact with mental health inpatient and outpatient providers on a regular basis. As such, mental health professionals are strongly recommended to participate in continuing education on FASD.

A more comprehensive understanding of FASD among mental health professionals should lead to improvements in identification, intervention, and treatment strategies, as well as an informed perspective when making recommendations on child welfare, custody assessments, competency to stand trial evaluations, and diagnostic and treatment planning. The overall goal of this article is to provide a review of FASD for mental health professionals... The following information is offered to assist in the assessment and development of individualised rehabilitation/treatment plans for individuals with FASD ..."

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