Description
Demystifying the science, clinical realities, and practical care strategies for children with complex prenatal substance exposure.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) and Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are complex physical and cognitive conditions that can have a lifelong impact on children and their families, yet they remain widely misunderstood, frequently misdiagnosed, and unsupported. Delivered via an interactive Zoom session, this advanced-level CPD course cuts through the complexity to explore the biological mechanisms behind these conditions and their real-world impact on development, learning, and behaviour.
Designed specifically for frontline practice, this training equips professionals and carers to shift from a “behaviour-first” mindset to a brain-based approach, adapting environments and interventions so that affected children can genuinely flourish.
Key Learning Highlights
- Demystify the Spectrum: Understand the full spectrum of FASD diagnoses (FAS, pFAS, ARND, ARBD, ND-PAE) and how prenatal alcohol affects the 10 key brain domains.
- Clinical Recognition & Management: Learn how NAS presents physiologically across the central nervous and gastrointestinal systems, including the use of Finnegan Scoring, non-pharmacological comfort care, and medical weaning strategies.
- Brain-Based Behaviour Coaching: Recognise executive function deficits, memory inconsistencies, and sensory processing issues as neurological symptoms rather than intentional defiance.
- Community & School Adaptations: Master practical environmental adjustments at home and in the classroom, including visual timetables, simple concrete language, and securing effective EHCP provision.
- Parent & Child Placements: Navigate the unique dynamics of Parent and Child Placements where a parent or infant is affected by FASD or NAS.
- Long-Term & Adult Horizons: Explore key protective factors that prevent secondary disabilities (mental health issues, criminal justice involvement, and placement breakdowns).
Why Choose This Course?
Whether you are matching a placement, adapting an EHCP, or supporting a family through assessment, this course translates clinical research into actionable strategies. It gives practitioners the tools, confidence, and systemic insight needed to advocate for children with prenatal exposure at every stage of their development.
Who Should Attend: Social Care Practitioners, Health Professionals, Foster Carers, Parent & Child Placement Assessors, Residential Workers, and Designated Safeguarding Leads.
Format: This is a live training session through Zoom. It includes taught sections, small group work, work in pairs, and whole group discussions.
Hand-outs & Certificates: Downloadable course notes and certificates of attendance are provided.