Neuropsychological Aspects of Prevention and Intervention for FASD in the USA

Abstract

The USA has relatively well-developed programs focused on the prevention of and intervention for prenatal alcohol exposure when compared with most other countries. This includes federal and state government programs involving extensive efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Despite these efforts and widely available and publicized information about the danger of alcohol exposure to the developing fetus, prenatal alcohol exposure remains a significant problem in the USA. As such, more advocacy efforts are needed to increase the research in this area and the dissemination of these findings. Pediatric neuropsychologists are ideally suited to consider the neurological compromise associated with prenatal alcohol exposure and how risk and resiliency factors in the environment influence neurodevelopment. As such, pediatric neuropsychologists can serve as effective advocates for improved services and research for children affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. Advocacy needs include increased funding for research and intervention, greater engagement, and coordination of the medical, educational, juvenile justice, and psychological communities as well as increased support of local, state, and federal government agencies to reduce the incidence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and provide appropriate services. This article reviews the available literature regarding these concerns and discusses considerations for pediatric neuropsychologists for the current efforts on prevention and intervention for individuals with FASD in the USA.