FASD & Sexualised Symptoms

Exploring the spectrum of need, designed for professionals supporting 'stuck' & complex overlapping needs; tuning into the symptoms of Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol & Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Neuro-developmental Trauma Training: FASD Informed™ Professional

Aim: To provide an overview of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder & its co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions to support NICE Quality Standards for FASD:

• Identify how alcohol is Neuro-Developmental Trauma 

• What is the impact of alcohol on the brain and how does this make a child or adult vulnerable?

• How does the alcohol informs the spectrum of need and its co-occurring conditions?

• Developmental milestones in the womb; how does the have a lifelong impact?

• Recognise the brain functions, learning deficits and how FASD can impact development

• Illustrate the facial features of FASD and when these are formed

• Examine the developmental divergence of peers

• Consider confabulation and procession speed to mitigate risks

• Consideration of sexualised symptoms & hyperfixation common to FASD

• Vicarious trauma and supporting needs of families

• Good practice in multi-disciplinary teams and signposting to 'FASD Informed' services

Good practice in neurodevelopmental support informs us that working towards being ‘FASD Responsive’ includes empowering all members of the multi-disciplinary team who come into contact with child/ren with prenatal exposure to alcohol to be inclusive.

We consider reflecting on ‘stuck’ cases and how to move practice forward; this is bespoke service that considers the case with a multi-disciplinary team where you might be preparing or supporting specific needs.

Time will be added for case discussion and reflection.

In practical terms, what would the indicators be for a professional when considering how FASD impacts a young person’s life story?

Although individual indicators vary greatly, this is an illustrative example of what life might be like for someone with an FASD profile:

• I might appear to be very articulate but have problems understanding what you had just told me, as well as keeping track of what I was asked to do to correct my behaviour.

• I might be dreadful at keeping appointments and generally organising my life, including poor money concepts and an inability to either plan or follow through on other’s plans for me.

• I might be very impulsive without thinking of the consequences; and, even if corrected, I may do it again because I have great difficulty learning from experience.

• I might appear truculent and challenging and act inappropriately for my age.

• I might be anxious and developing mental health issues because I am being bullied or misunderstood so often.

• I might have real skills and talents I am unable to demonstrate consistently because my life is so disorganised and stressful.

• I might drink alcohol, take drugs, and engage in other risky behaviours (including sexual ones) because I have a very hard time controlling my impulses.

• My sleep pattern will have been poor from an early age.

(Hayes, Moritz and Reid, 2020)

Online live delivery (120 minutes)

FASD InformedTM Education delivered by a strong experienced qualified team, tailoring a bespoke service to support your team in becoming FASD ResponsiveTM

To request a quotation for this bespoke piece around the family you are supporting please email us: info@fasdinformed.co.uk

Suggested continuation course:

FASD & Vicarious Trauma

Many carers and professionals supporting FASD experience significant secondary trauma; a vicarious type of trauma that impacts the whole body, as well as considering the child & adult with FASD, carers & professionals need time to reflect on the weight they carry and the impact of thinking in the moment and adapting strategies swiftly.

The session offers that space to consider how can professionals and carers take a pause and look at the impact of navigating this high level of support.

©FASD Informed UK

Image by kind permission of @Charlie Mackesy