Specific: Salford Parents and Carers Education Course for Improvements in FASD Outcomes in Children
Despite high levels of prenatal alcohol exposure in the UK, evidence on the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorders (FASD) is lacking, although it is thought that somewhere between 3% and 6% of children may be affected. FASD causes significant neurological problems with lifelong implications for the effected individual, their families, including increased interaction with health services, social care and the criminal justice system.
There is lack of support for families affected by FASD from service providers, and families have told us that often inappropriate services are being offered. In many cases, children with FASD and a history of trauma were offered services based on trauma and attachment theory, but nothing that was designed for FASD.
Evidence from our research on the impact of childhood trauma and prenatal alcohol exposure shows that early identification and intervention can improve the outcomes of children with FASD. Moreover, appropriate family support is essential to achieve improved life outcomes for children with FASD. Therefore, we have now designed a training course, funded by the Medical Research Council, that is specific for families and carers of children (aged 5 – 10) with FASD.
This course is based on published evidence and input from clinicians and other professionals as well as people with the lived experience of raising a child with FASD. It includes effective strategies and advice for new parents and carers, so that families/carers can be prepared for the specific challenges of FASD and put effective strategies in place as soon as possible.
We hope that this training will lead to reduced stress and feelings of guilt for caregivers, and improvements in academic, behavioural and social functioning, and improved life outcomes for children with FASD.
See http://hub.salford.ac.uk/fasd/ for more information about our FASD research
Funder: Medical Research Council
Team