Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

In this insightful episode, Sarah sits down with Christian Hancock to explore a topic that is unfamiliar to many professionals in the field—Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Together, they discuss what FASD is, the challenges individuals with FASD face, and how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other professionals can provide strength-based support. Christian shares her expertise, experiences, and practical guidance to help providers recognize and respond to FASD in a compassionate and effective way.

Explore Conversation

Guests

Christian Hancock
M.S., CCC-SLP
Christian is a speech-language pathologist and community advocate for neurodiverse children. She owns Heart & Soul Speech serving families in Texas. She has extensive experience supporting children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, pediatric feeding disorders, and bilingual language learners. She is the creator of Communication with Connection, a philosophy and practice centering the neurobehavioral approach, responsive feeding, and caregiver-child relationships. Christian presents internationally on trauma-informed care, FASD, feeding disorders, and family-centered language learning. She is president of Texas FASD Network and volunteers her time advocating for systemic change in supports available for children and their families across the state.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify key characteristics and challenges associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
2. List the importance of strength-based approaches when supporting individuals with FASD.
3. Apply strategies to support students with FASD within speech-language and special education settings.

Agenda

10 minutes	Introductions and Overview of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
5 minutes	Exploring common challenges and misdiagnosis
5 minutes	Importance of reviewing developmental and medical history
10 minutes	Strength-based support and strategies to support communication and executive function

Disclosures

Financial Disclosures:	Sarah Bevier is the co-founder of Bright Ideas Media. She volunteered her time for this presentation. Christian has no financial relationships to disclose.
Non-Financial Disclosures:	Sarah and Christian have no relevant non-financial relationships to disclose.
Content Disclosures:	Sarah and Christian have no additional content information to disclose.

ASHA

This course is offered for .05 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: $7.00
Christian Hancock explores a topic that is unfamiliar to many professionals in the field—Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). She discusses what FASD is, the challenges individuals with FASD face, and how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other professionals can provide strength-based support. Christian shares her expertise, experiences, and practical guidance to help providers recognize and respond to FASD in a compassionate and effective way. Register to access the full episode in your dashboard and submit for ASHA CEUs.

Add-ons

Neurodevelopmental Needs in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

$34.00

This course highlights the critical role of SLPs in supporting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), a condition affecting 2-5% of first graders in the U.S. Explore current multidisciplinary research on neurocognition, self-regulation, and adaptive function, and learn about the neurobehavioral approach, accommodations, and environmental modifications. Gain insights on overcoming challenges faced by caregivers and professionals to improve outcomes. Includes access to the recorded course and optional ASHA reporting.