Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Implications and Interventions

Abstract

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), leading to lifelong cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA], 2022; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). While FASD research has increased, its prevalence and impact in rural Appalachian communities remain underexplored (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). This study examines socioeconomic and healthcare barriers contributing to underdiagnosis and limited educational interventions in this region (Department of Education, 2021). While FASD research has increased, its prevalence and impact in rural Appalachian communities remain underexplored. This study examines socioeconomic and healthcare barriers contributing to underdiagnosis and limited educational interventions in this region. A multiple probe across behaviors single-case design will be used to assess intervention effectiveness for individuals with FASD. Participants include 3-5 rural Appalachian special educators working with students diagnosed with FASD in school settings. The study will analyze the impact of targeted interventions on executive functioning, social skills, and adaptive behaviors. Anticipated (hypothesized) results may suggest targeted interventions can lead to improvements in these areas. Challenges such as resource limitations, lack of trained professionals, and cultural stigma will be concurrently explored. Study limitations include small sample size, geographical constraints, and difficulty in long-term follow-up data collection. Discussion will emphasize the importance of increasing healthcare provider education, expanding school-based support programs, and implementing interdisciplinary culturally sensitive community awareness. Policy changes at all levels are necessary to improve funding for FASD research and healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. Addressing these challenges is crucial for reducing FASD-related disparities and improving outcomes for affected individuals and their families (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Future research and intervention implications will also be discussed. Keywords: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), Rural Appalachia, Special Education Interventions, Healthcare Barriers

Start Time

16-4-2025 1:30 PM

End Time

16-4-2025 4:00 PM

Presentation Type

Poster

Presentation Category

Education

Student Type

Undergraduate Student

Faculty Mentor

Luann Ley Davis

Faculty Department

Educational Foundations and Special Education

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Apr 16th, 1:30 PM Apr 16th, 4:00 PM

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Implications and Interventions

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), leading to lifelong cognitive, behavioral, and physical impairments (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA], 2022; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). While FASD research has increased, its prevalence and impact in rural Appalachian communities remain underexplored (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2022). This study examines socioeconomic and healthcare barriers contributing to underdiagnosis and limited educational interventions in this region (Department of Education, 2021). While FASD research has increased, its prevalence and impact in rural Appalachian communities remain underexplored. This study examines socioeconomic and healthcare barriers contributing to underdiagnosis and limited educational interventions in this region. A multiple probe across behaviors single-case design will be used to assess intervention effectiveness for individuals with FASD. Participants include 3-5 rural Appalachian special educators working with students diagnosed with FASD in school settings. The study will analyze the impact of targeted interventions on executive functioning, social skills, and adaptive behaviors. Anticipated (hypothesized) results may suggest targeted interventions can lead to improvements in these areas. Challenges such as resource limitations, lack of trained professionals, and cultural stigma will be concurrently explored. Study limitations include small sample size, geographical constraints, and difficulty in long-term follow-up data collection. Discussion will emphasize the importance of increasing healthcare provider education, expanding school-based support programs, and implementing interdisciplinary culturally sensitive community awareness. Policy changes at all levels are necessary to improve funding for FASD research and healthcare infrastructure in rural areas. Addressing these challenges is crucial for reducing FASD-related disparities and improving outcomes for affected individuals and their families (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2023). Future research and intervention implications will also be discussed. Keywords: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), Rural Appalachia, Special Education Interventions, Healthcare Barriers