Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Services

Center for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Does your child…

• Act without thinking?
• Have poor judgment?
• Act younger than his/her chronological age?
• Have processing deficits and memory problems?
• Lack problem-solving skills?
• Have problem connecting cause and effect?

Have you gotten a few diagnoses, but they just don’t completely explain some of the behaviors you are seeing?

If so, your child may have been exposed prenatally to alcohol and his/her cognitive abilities, learning capacity and behavior has been affected.

Prenatal alcohol exposure can affect any part of the brain and no two kids are alike who have been exposed. It is an invisible disability in that the child can have average IQ and look like any typical child, but the alcohol exposure has damaged parts of the brain that might affect sensory processing, social skills, memory, and behavior. 1 in 20 schoolchildren may be on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum.

The FASD diagnostic process was beneficial and informative. It gave me a thorough overview of each area affected by alcohol use from bio Mom. I now have a better understanding of this disorder and I can support my daughters as well as receive the help needed to be well-rounded. Everything was done with patience, care and staff was professional.

Paulina

We offer diagnosis to children ages 5-17. We can consult with you on younger children and provide an assessment on the likelihood the child might need FASD diagnosis, but the diagnosis requires reading and language skills which we find children more capable of managing when they are at least five years old.

Early intervention is especially important. It not only helps parents understand how best to discipline and love their child but also helps teachers and other caregivers understand deficits that come with the diagnosis. With a diagnosis, children can have an Independent Education Plan (IEP) which is individualized to bring a team of people together to help a child with a disability succeed in school. We offer IEP advocacy for parents and children for school IEPs. They also might qualify for Social Security or Developmental Disabilities funding.

The Center for FASD at OhioGuidestone is one of the nation’s oldest diagnostic clinics for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Founded in 1992 by the Sisters of Notre Dame as DoubleARC, The Center for FASD is an affiliate of FASD United, the national voice on these disorders. Our team is committed to helping your child reach their full potential through education, intervention and advocacy.

Our specially trained staff will assess your child utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach of medical professionals. A pediatrician, neuropsychologist, speech and language therapist, and occupational therapist each assess your child and review your child’s school and medical records. You will be given a comprehensive medical summary report of the strengths and weaknesses of your child and whether the child is on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum. We also provide recommendations on resources and therapies which can aid your child or teenager.

I attended seminars. I went to meetings. I have been in support groups…all through the auspices of DoubleARC. I had no knowledge whatsoever about FASD. I was lost until I found this organization. I used their knowledge and my education to maneuver Angie through school. “They” told me she probably wouldn’t graduate. DoubleARC taught me to never listen to “them.” She graduated from high school!

Kelly

The Center for FASD offers therapy for children and parents, provided by specially trained FASD therapists.

Plus, we offer a free parent support group online twice a month and 16 on-demand Triumph Today videos to help you learn more about FASD and how to best parent your child. We often work with parents and children at every stage of their development as new issues arise and support is needed.

It has been a few years since we went through the FASD diagnostic process; however, our experience has been nothing short of amazing and informative. I have learned a lot about how to deal with my child.

Krista

There is no cure for FASD, but research shows that early intervention and access to services can greatly improve a child’s development. Our experts are ready to help you! Please call our team at 419.479.3060 to get more information about the Center for FASD at OhioGuidestone.