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Interventions That Work in 2008
From the FASD Wisdom of Practice
Reprinted from FAS Times, Spring 2008
By Jocie DeVries
Before any program or service can be successful, FASD must be diagnosed or at least acknowledged as highly likely and then taken into account as modifications are made. Assessments need to be made as to whether or not more than one “T” issue is involved.
1. Traumatized Teens with FASD
When a youth has problems that severely interfere with daily life or they repeatedly display disruptive behavior without any obvious predatory intent, a complete mental health evaluation needs to be made to determine the cause of the presenting issues, whether it be abandonment, current or past abuse, and/or some other trauma. Standard approaches to healing these memories may work. Some parents report excellent results with alternative/complimentary approaches that work through the subconscious.
2. Tipsy Teens with FASD
Outpatient treatment programs may work for a few teens with substance abuse problems, as long as they are cognitively able to understand it and willing to cooperate with changes in their environments, activities and friends that have contributed to the situation. If not, or if withdrawal is a concern, inpatient treatment program may be necessary. Either way, long term supports, like supervision and accountability will be needed. 12-Step programs can be helpful, if they connect with a trained mentor.
3. Truant Teens with FASD
Diversion programs can be very effective with realistic requirements, good supervision and accountability, with the understanding that if they violate the terms, they will go to jail for a few days. If school truancy is involved, then their academic and school-based social issues also need to be addressed. Many times the reason teens with FASD fail in school is more social/behavioral than academic.
4. Troubled Teens with FASD
When co-occurring mental health disorders are suspected, we recommend a full neuropsych evaluation, done by a neuropsychologist who understands FASD. Follow-up therapy can be provided by any mental health professional who understands FASD and co-occurring disorders. It works best when professionals gather information from and consult with the family in this process. Based on the evaluation and consultation results, professionals can recommend the type and length of medical treatment and/or psychiatric therapy with specific timelines and goals, not to just “stabilize them” and send them home with more medications and no behavioral supports.
5. Treacherous Teens with FASD
Since violence and predatory behavior are not core FASD traits, if this type of pattern exists, a secured facility will be needed to keep themselves and others safe until the co-occurring disorders can be addressed and treated. The most important things to remember are (1) just because they are violent at this time, it doesn’t automatically mean they can’t change with appropriate treatment and (2) it is critical that a family member or someone continues to love them through this process. Unconditional love makes miracles possible!
September 8th, 2008 at 6:52 am Nice job Jocie, I’m printing this out for hand-outs at the golf-tournament and when I go to the disability conference. Hang in there. JK
December 9th, 2008 at 3:45 pm Your website has had a profound impact on me. I am pursuing my masters in counseling and I’m currently doing in-depth research on FASD. I am beginning to sense a calling to serve this cause in my local area (South Central Missouri). It is a matter of prayer because I know, in my own strength, it is beyond me. Thank you to all of you who have worked via families for the last 20-30 years. How might I start? 417-469-4389.
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