Clinical Trial: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Socio-Cognitive Habilitation

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional

Official Title: Study to Investigate the Effectiveness of a Math Intervention for Children With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Related Condition

Brief Summary: Comprehensive evaluation (geneticist, psychologist, social worker, education specialist, others as indicated) to determine individual needs and treatment plan. Referrals for specific services (e.g., OT, counseling, medications, etc) will be to clinicians within the families' own communities. All families will receive evaluation, parent education/advocacy, and learning readiness program. Only the intervention group will receive the math intervention.

Detailed Summary:

Learning Readiness Program: This program will include: case management to secure needed services, medication consultation (psychiatrist), educational consultation/ liaison, Behavioral Regulation Training (BRT). BRT will include teaching parents about: 1) recognizing their child's arousal level (to avoid negative episodes), 2) recognizing their own arousal and how it contributes to a situation, 3) principles of social reinforcement (e.g., praise, ignore, etc), 4) "accidental teaching" (i.e., teaching when a situation/opportunity arises), 5) resource/support source identification, 6) to communicate choices rather than authoritative commands, and 6) reduction of repetitive prompts (nagging). The child will be taught: 1) the technique of Escape/No Escape for undesirable tasks, 2) arousal awareness, and 3) verbalization of situations and actions (e.g., I don't like it when mom yells at me for running in the house, so I won't run in the house).

Targeted Area of Intervention: MATH - 6 weeks of individualized math tutoring. Content of the tutoring will be tailored to age levels (either 3-6 yr olds or 6-9 yr olds). The High/Scope curriculum will be used (modified so that it can be individualized). In addition, visual materials and visual aids will be developed to address deficits in the visual-spatial skills of children with FAS/ARND. For teachers, a manual will be prepared to assist them in working with children who have FAS/ARND. The educational specialist will review the manual and techniques with each teacher involved with the child.

Parent component: Individual and small group sessions to include: FAS education, information on education system procedures, instruction for communicating with professionals, and support for advocating for their child. A caregiver manual will be prepared.

  • math knowledge
  • math skills


  • Original Primary Outcome: Same as current

    Current Secondary Outcome:

    • behavior regulation
    • parent knowledge of FAS


    Original Secondary Outcome: Same as current

    Information By: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    Dates:
    Date Received: September 9, 2005
    Date Started: October 2001
    Date Completion: January 2005
    Last Updated: April 25, 2008
    Last Verified: September 2005