Neurodevelopmental Needs in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are one of the most common disabilities across the United States, yet most people have never heard of it. This presentation focuses on essential daily supports people with FASD need to think, learn, and interact with others. Learn how allied health professionals can be leaders in FASD-informed care and use practical strategies to maximize successful outcomes.

Explore Course

What is the speech-language pathologist’s (SLP’s) role in supporting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)? Studies estimate the prevalence of FASD is two to five percent of first-grade children in the United States (May et al., 2018). However, healthcare professionals continue to report lacking education of evidence-based practices and the confidence to support individuals with an FASD (Payne et al., 2005). SLPs have a unique opportunity to be leaders in FASD-informed care.

The FASD community largely agrees on the three categories of neurodevelopmental needs: neurocognition, self-regulation, and adaptive function. This presentation will discuss the most current multidisciplinary research on FASD and its relevance to SLP areas of focus, including communication, cognition, and executive function. The neurobehavioral approach will be briefly introduced, and specific examples of accommodations and environmental modifications will be discussed. Additionally, the presenter will share considerations for the frequent challenges caregivers and professionals encounter when trying to implement supports, as well as ways to improve outcomes.

This course will be available on June 17, 2025.

Presenters

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. List the three categories of neurodevelopmental needs in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
2. Describe links between the brain and behavior in FASD.
3. Explain barriers and procedural challenges in accessing supports for individuals with an FASD.
4. Implement at least two strategies to improve neurodevelopmental needs in individuals with an FASD.

Agenda

5 minutes	FASD Fast Facts
10 minutes	Connection between brain and behavior in FASD
20 minutes	3 Categories of Neurodevelopmental Needs
15 minutes	Barriers and challenges for best practice
10 minutes	Counseling caregivers on FASD and community resources

Disclosures

Financial Disclosures:	Christian receives a salary from Heart & Soul Speech and is being compensated for this presentation.
Non-Financial Disclosures:	Christian is a member of President of Texas FASD Network, TSHA, and ASHA.
Content Disclosures:	Christian has no additional content information to disclose.

ASHA

This course is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs, Introductory Level, Professional Area

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.

Add-ons

Early Identification of Language Disorders and Intervention Series

$44.00

This two-course series (90 minutes total) equips SLPs working with birth to preschool children to identify language delays and disorders using culturally responsive assessments and AI tools. Gain practical, evidence-based strategies for supporting early expressive language development through family-centered intervention. Ideal for clinicians seeking effective tools to improve early language outcomes. Includes access to the two recorded series and optional ASHA reporting for both courses.

Supporting Neurodivergent Kids Through Play & Connection

$7.00

In this insightful episode of Bright Conversations, trauma-certified SLP Polina Shkadron explores how play and relationships can be powerful tools in supporting neurodivergent children in therapy. Register to access the full episode in your dashboard and submit for ASHA CEUs.