Preventing Secondary Conditions in People with FASD - NOFAS Webinar

http://www.nofas.org

Presenter:
Christie Petrenko, Ph.D.
Research Psychologist & Assistant Professor
Mt. Hope Family Center - University of Rochester

Abstract:

People with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are at increased risk for developing secondary conditions, such as mental health problems, school disruption, trouble with the law, and substance use. Rates of these problems increase in adolescence and adulthood. Secondary conditions are stressful and can be devastating for people with FASD and their families. The outlook can look bleak, and yet, there is hope!

This webinar will integrate what we have learned from research and the clinical wisdom of providers and families on the prevention of secondary conditions. Risk and protective factors will be discussed at the individual, family, and systems of care levels. Recent qualitative research on the strengths and challenges of caregivers in preventing secondary conditions will also be highlighted.

The webinar will then illustrate how this knowledge was used to develop and test the Families on Track Integrated Preventive Intervention for young children with FASD and their families. Promising results from a recent pilot trial will be presented. The webinar will end with a discussion of FASD-informed care and how research findings can be translated to help people with FASD across the lifespan.

Biographical Details:

Christie (McGee) Petrenko, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and researcher who has been conducting research with individuals with FASD since 2003. She completed her graduate training with Edward Riley and Sarah Mattson in San Diego and is currently a faculty member at Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester. Her research focuses on the efficacy of interventions aimed at preventing secondary conditions. She also runs a multidisciplinary FASD clinic providing diagnostic and intervention services.