Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
This course is designed especially for social workers, human services providers, mental health counselors, educators, and other professionals who work with children who may be at risk for, or show signs of, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Facilitating a thorough understanding of what is often a debilitating medical and behavioral condition, the course covers the history, definitions, prevalence, maternal risk factors, diagnostic criteria, mechanism of action, and prevention of FASD. In addition, participants learn how to discuss concerns regarding FASD to the child's parents or guardian, understand five treatment options, and refer to appropriate clinicians or programs for a full FASD evaluation.
After completing this course, participants should be able to:
- Understand the history, definitions, and prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
- Recognize maternal risk factors associated with FASD.
- Identify the diagnostic criteria for FASD.
- Describe the mechanism of action of alcohol on fetal development.
- Understand the importance of prevention of FASD.
- Discuss concerns regarding FASD with the child's caregiver.
- Compare the five categories of treatment for FASD.
- Facilitate a referral to appropriate clinicians and FASD providers in the community.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a non-credit course, consisting of three modules. Each module includes an overview, a list of topics, learning objectives, study materials, and a discussion forum. Module titles are listed below:
Module 1: Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Module 2: Treatment Options
Module 3: Community Programs
Participants are required to complete reading assignments and participate in three online discussion forums on a variety of topics associated with the course modules. In addition, participants are required to finish an online 80-question post-test comprising multiple-choice and short-answer questions. Participants must pass this post-test with a score of 80% or higher in order to receive 15 Approved CEUs from the National Association of Social Workers (see below). Even if you are not interested in the CEUs, a record of successful completion may be important in the following instances:
- Participants may receive tuition reimbursement from employers or other sources only when they successfully complete the course.
- Participants may wish to apply the course to a certificate program, either now or in the future. No course can be counted towards a certificate program unless the participant has successfully completed it.
- Some participants may wish to apply their non-credit experience to a degree program. Though not always possible, a few schools provide this avenue. A record of successful completion would be necessary to take advantage of this pathway.
This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886593448-9806) for up to 15 contact hours of Social Work Continuing Education. NASW has approval from more than 38 state licensure boards without restrictions. However, participants are responsible for following their state's rules and regulations regarding licensure.
Why Online Learning?
- Learning occurs in a user-friendly environment and is accessible to those with little or no computer experience
- Online courses provide the knowledge and tools needed to stay ahead in today's rapidly changing professional marketplace
- Online education allows participants to access the course from anywhere there is an Internet connection, even while traveling for business or on vacation
- Flexibility: Participants can attend class in the comfort and convenience of their own home, office, library, or internet café, and complete assignments at their convenience
- Cost-effective: expenses related to facilities and travel, as well as non-productive time, are reduced
- Relevant: Since so much of medical record-keeping is conducted in an online environment, this method of study is highly relevant to virtually mental health professionals.
The online format requires that students have access to a computer with an internet browser and are proficient with using email, communicating online, utilizing automated help functions, learning new software programs and conducting online research, all in a self-paced, self-directed context.
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