The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #58566

Mary J. O'Connor, PhD¹, Blair Paley, PhD², and Fred D. Frankel, PhD². (1) Departments of Child Psychiatry and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA/NPI Suite 68-237, 760 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759, (310)206-6528, moconnor@mednet.ucla.edu, (2) Department of Child Psychiatry, UCLA NPI & H, 760 Westwood Plaza, Suite 58-239A, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1759

This study describes the development of a parent-assisted social skills intervention for children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND). Impairments in social behavior have been well-documented in children with prenatal alcohol exposure. This intervention, which has been empirically validated with over 700 children, was adapted for use with this specific population of children. The intervention was designed to target critical social skills known to be associated with peer acceptance, as well as to increase parents' knowledge about FAS and ARND and their ability to effectively advocate for their children. This study is part of a larger collaborative effort with the CDC to provide intervention to children with FAS or ARND. One hundred children aged 6 to 9 years, diagnosed with FAS or ARND, are being randomly assigned in 5 cohorts of 20 participants to one of two conditions: Parent-Assisted Social Skills Training (SST, n = 50) or Wait List (WL, n = 50). For each cohort, there are 10 children in each condition. Children in the Wait List condition receive the intervention as soon as the Treatment group in their cohort has finished their intervention. The intervention consists of 12 sessions, of 90 minutes each. Parents attend separate concurrent sessions instructing them on key skills being taught to their children. Parents are also provided with education regarding FAS and ARND and how to become an effective advocate for their child. Both the social skills training and parent education and advocacy components will be presented in detail. Findings will be discussed with regard to how early interventions for children with FAS or ARND can be designed to target primary deficits (e.g., social skills problems), and to potentially reduce the likelihood of secondary disabilities (e.g., mental health problems, delinquency).

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to:
• Identify the major areas of social skills deficits in children with FAS and ARND
• Describe the key features of a parent-assisted social skills intervention for children with FAS and ARND.
• Recognize the importance of including a parent education and advocacy component in interventions for children with FAS and ARND.
• Identify possible predictors of intervention success.

Keywords: Alcohol, Children With Special Needs

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.