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Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders

Our clinical and educational psychologists provide a broad range of assessment and therapeutic services for children and young people with suspected or confirmed foetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

What are foetal alcohol spectrum disorders?

Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) cover a range of disorders and conditions which are caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. FASD may also be known as foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FASD helps to define the full spectrum of associated conditions, behaviours and traits caused by exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. Individuals diagnosed with FAS are usually short in stature, have neurocognitive difficulties and specific facial features.

How are foetal alcohol spectrum disorders assessed?

Assessing in order to make a diagnosis of FASD is a complex process which should only be done by specialists in FASD and may not always be possible due to the amount of background information necessary. Detailed information relating to the pregnancy, including estimated alcohol intake at various stages of development is analysed. FAS is easier to diagnose as it includes facial characteristics which are a more objective measure, and is usually diagnosed by paediatricians and geneticists.

Our process

At HSR Psychology we ensure that we meet the needs of children and young people. To achieve this we ensure that any specific assessments, intervention, or direct work, is only carried out following an initial discussion.

An initial discussion allows us to understand the background and your expectations of our involvement. Having an initial discussion ensures any services we provide appropriately identify or address needs.

Our process for any specific assessments, intervention, or direct work is as follows:

Step 1: Contact us

We will usually be contacted by the child or young person, parent or carer, or another professional (eg education or health).

You can contact us or complete a referral



Step 2: Arrange an initial discussion

An initial discussion allows us to understand the background and your expectations of our involvement. Arrange an initial discussion



Step 3: Review our recommendations

Following an initial discussion we will send you an email that includes:

  • Next steps recommendations - to provide a bespoke package of support. For example:
    • Assessments
    • Reports
    • Information gathering
    • Meeting
    • Interventions
    • Consultancy
    • Reviews
  • Costing - we will provide costings for any services recommended.


Step 4: Let's get started

On receipt of the next steps recommendations and costing you can decide how to proceed. Once you have decided contact us to arrange the chosen services.



What do we assess in relation to FASD?

At HSR Psychology we assess in order to identify a range of cognitive, emotional and social needs so that they can then be appropriately addressed. We are able to carry out a broad range of assessments related to cognition, learning, neurodevelopmental conditions, sensory processing and social, emotional and mental health. Our holistic approach takes an individual’s circumstances and development into account for an accurate representation of needs. Following an initial discussion related to developmental history and areas of concern, our specialists should be able to tailor their assessments for each individual.

Which assessments do we use for FASD?

When working with a child or young person who may have FASD, the scope of assessments can be broad and may include a small selection of the following:

  • BRIEF2 - Behaviour rating inventory of executive function may be used with children and young people and it assesses; behavioral, emotional and cognitive regulation
  • NEPSY - A neuropsychological development assessment and it measures; executive functioning, memory, learning and attention
  • BADS-C - Behavioural assessment of the dysexecutive syndrome in children measures the following areas; inflexibility, perseveration, problem solving, planning, impulsivity and moderating behaviour based on feedback
  • CAS2 - Cognitive assessment system assesses a range of cognitive functions, such as; planning and attention

FASD impacts individuals differently and we will use the assessments most suitable for children and young people. Possible areas to assess will be discussed during the Initial Discussion.

What interventions do we provide for foetal alcohol spectrum disorders?

Interventions will be recommended, supported and provided in relation to identified needs. Behavioural management strategies are important for children and young people with FASD as typical behaviour management strategies may intensify problems. Interventions related to FASD are wide ranging dependent on identified needs, however examples of the interventions we can offer include:

Increasing understanding of primary and secondary difficulties caused by FASD will help parents, carers and professionals to support children and young people.

Our psychologists identify and address needs present within children and young people with FASD or FAS. Addressing needs through support strategies can be used to support behaviour and emotional wellbeing.


Arrange an Initial Discussion

Arrange an Initial Discussion to find out how we can help. The initial discussion lasts 1-1.5 hours, comes with a written recommendation summary and is a starting point to identify needs. The cost is £300.

  • No waiting lists
  • Experienced psychologists
  • Includes recommendation summary

Find out more

only

£300



What makes us different

Access to a named psychologist

Focus on mental health and wellbeing

Joined-up approach

Bespoke services to meet needs

Multidisciplinary team

Holistic approach

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Flexible, consistent, and competitively priced

We provide bespoke solutions to suit all budgets and requirements for children and young people aged 0-25 in homes, education settings and the community. Our clinical, educational and child psychology services are cost effective.

See our prices

Make a referral

To make a referral and arrange an initial discussion please complete our referral form.

Make a referral

Contact us

Ready to get started? The next step is to speak to our team to find out more about the services we provide and how we can help. Call us on 0161 820 9229 or email office@hsrpsychology.co.uk

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