Positive monitor (+monitor): FASD screening to facilitate early intervention services

Background Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) describes the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Approximately 40,000 babies are born each year in the United States with FASD, and the public health costs for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) alone are estimated at over $6 billion a year. Providing early intervention to children with an FASD may result in improved infant and child health outcomes as well as decreased caregiver stress. This session will describe the use of a positive monitor category for these children to ensure ongoing monitoring of developmental delays, and possible later referral for an FASD diagnostic evaluation if warranted.

Methods

Findings will focus on three programs funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration that provide diagnosis and intervention services to children ages 0-3. All children are screened using criteria developed by an expert panel to determine need for a complete diagnostic assessment of FASD. Data are collected using maternal self reports and medical and other records.

Results

Results will be described on numbers of children placed in positive monitor, moved from positive monitor to positive screen, and number diagnosed with an FASD, as well as process findings on monitoring and providing appropriate supportive services during that period.

Conclusions

The process of screening, monitoring, and diagnosis shows that community agencies can work together to provide appropriate support and diagnosis to ensure early intervention services for children with an FASD.