Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Consequences associated with prenatal alcohol exposure include a host of adaptive functioning (personal independence, communication, social responsibility) and executive function (e.g., working memory, cognitive flexibility, and inhibition) as well as a number of co-occurring psychiatric (e.g., anxiety and depression) and medical health disorders (e.g., sleep disorders). As a result of FASD and these comorbid conditions, along with a higher prevalence of attachment-related problems and exposure to various forms of adverse life events, a high percentage of impacted individuals may come into contact with mental health and substance use treatment services. This training is designed for mental health and substance use treatment professionals who want to gain a greater awareness and understanding of FASD with the goal of improving intake, screening, communication, goal and treatment planning, and discharge planning processes. Topics such as memory, suggestibility, confabulation, adverse childhood experiences, vulnerability and victimization, attachment issues, executive function, Theory of Mind (ToM), and language development will also be discussed throughout this training. Empirically-based research findings and case study examples will be highlighted throughout this training. 

Objectives:

This training will provide participants clinical knowledge and tools to:

a). Develop a working understanding of FASD and its associated emotional, behavioral, social, and physical health consequences.

b). Review existing empirically based literature examining FASD and its impact on mental health and substance abuse treatment settings.

c). Explore the role of co-occurring conditions including trauma, substance use, and other psychiatric disorders among client populations impacted by FASD.

d). Describe appropriate communication, screening, and intervention options appropriate for clients and families impacted by FASD.

Target Audience:

Mental Health Clinicians, Social Workers, Psychologists, Marriage & Family Therapists, Counselors, School Personnel, Youth Development Workers, and Healthcare Workers

Instructional Level: Intermediate

Instructor(s): Jerrod Brown, PhD, MA, MS, MS, MS

Material Author(s): Jerrod Brown, PhD, MA, MS, MS, MS

Jerrod Brown, PhD, MA, MS, MS, MS is an Assistant Professor for Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota and is the lead developer and program director for the Master of Arts degree in Human Services with an Emphasis in Forensic Behavioral Health. Jerrod has also been employed with Pathways Counseling Center in St. Paul, Minnesota for the past seventeen years. Pathways provides programs and services benefiting individuals impacted by mental illness and addictions. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of Forensic Studies (AIAFS) and the Editor-in-Chief of Forensic Scholars Today (FST). Jerrod has completed four separate master’s degree programs and holds graduate certificates in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Other Health Disabilities (OHD), and Traumatic-Brain Injuries (TBI). Jerrod is also certified as a Youth Firesetting Prevention/Intervention Specialist, an Anger Resolution Therapist (CART), Thinking for a Change (T4C) Facilitator, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Trainer, an Autism Specialist, Digestive Health Specialist, Gut Health Specialist, Stress and Mindset Coach, Sleep Science Coach, Sex Crimes & Relational Paraphilic Attachments (RPA), Mental Health Integrative Medicine Provider (CMHIMP), and a Problem Gambling treatment provider in the state of Minnesota. In addition to the certifications mentioned above, Jerrod also holds a micro-credential as an Executive Functions Consultant (EFC) and has completed the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), Suicide Alertness for Everyone (safeTALK), and the Mental Health First Aid USA certification training courses. Jerrod has published numerous articles and book chapters, and recently co-edited the book Forensic Mental Health: A Source Guide for Professionals (Brown & Weinkauf, 2018) with Erv Weinkauf. Email: Jerrod01234Brown@live.com

For additional information about this course, the instructors, or the material authors, please contact Content Assistance at content@onlinececredits.com.

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