According to the CDC: “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. These effects can include physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. Often, a person with an FASD has a mix of these problems.” FASDs affect 1% to 5% of school-aged children in the United States and the lifetime cost for treatment per individual was estimated to be $2 million in 2009. Although it is common for women to consume alcohol without knowing that they are pregnant, there is no known safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed before the baby is affected.

 

Symptoms include:

• hyperactivity

• poor reasoning/judgment skills

• poor memory

• learning and intellectual disabilities

• and more

 

There is no cure for FASDs, however according to research early intervention treatment services can improve the child’s development (https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/data.html).

 

We are excited to share with you that The Kids Therapy Center (TKTC) was part of a cohort working with the Boston Medical Center’s (BMC) Safest Choice Learning Collaborative. BMC partnered with Proof Alliance, Boston University School of Medicine Continuing Medical Education office and Boston University School of Public Health to collaborate and implement a pediatric Project ECHO focused on prevention of, and screening and intervention for FASDs. The mission of Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) was to develop the capacity to screen for and treat chronic, common, and complex diseases in underserved populations safely and effectively. TKTC felt fortunate to be part of a 10-member nation-wide cohort over the year learning and obtaining necessary skills for the screening process and interventions for children with FASDs.

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Call us to set up your appointment today, (701) 751-0384!