FASD
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Jerrod Brown
Treatment Director / FASD Program Director
Office: 651-641-1555 ext 115
Mobile: 651-734-5517
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
What is FASD?
FASD is a lifelong condition caused when the unborn child is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. Prenatal exposure to alcohol causes brain damage in the central nervous system and results in an array of behavioral, emotional, and mental health consequences. FASD can also affect physical development.
What are the Effects of FASD?
When unrecognized, untreated, or improperly understood, most individuals with FASD will experience significant adverse life outcomes. FASD can impact an individual’s ability to maintain housing, impair family and social relationships, affect vocational and educational functioning, and may contribute to involvement in the criminal justice system. An overwhelming majority of people with FASD experience secondary health disabilities. As a result, the problems facing an individual with FASD are usually profound, challenging, and complex.
Pathways is an FASD-Informed Agency.
Pathways works with adults who have a confirmed diagnosis of FASD or are suspected of having the disorder. Our staff understands this condition and our programs address the challenging behaviors connected with FASD. This is necessary, if treatment is to be effective.
Programs that work for one individual with FASD may not work well for others. We tailor treatment strategies to the circumstances of each client.
As many as sixty percent of people with FASD come into contact with the criminal justice system. Pathways’ knowledge of forensic mental health and the related factors which impact people with this condition will give those individuals a better chance of avoiding trouble with the law.
Pathways collaborates with the families of our clients, as well as relevant service providers such as mental health, social services, correctional, and legal personnel. Our goal is to ensure that supports are in place to effectively help our clients live fulfilling lives, as independently or as inter-dependently as possible.
Common Problem Areas for Adults With FASD
1. Attachment2. Coping skills3. Secondary4. Emotion regulation5. Ability to empathize6. Executive function7. Financial management8. Impulsivity9. Inappropriate displays of sexual behavior10. Infrequent11. Navigation [e.g. utilizing public transportation]12. Organization13. Problem-solving14. Sleep15. Social skills16. Substance misuse17. Trauma18. Vulnerability / Victimization
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