The value of the neuropsychological assessment for adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A case study

  • Joanne Sparrow Seattle Pacific University and the University of Washington - Fetal Alcohol and Drug Unit
  • Therese Grant Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine
  • Paul Connor University of Washington School of Medicine
  • Nancy Whitney University of Washington School of Medicine
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.107
Keywords: fetal alcohol syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, neuropsychological assessment, neurocognitive disorder

Abstract

Sparrow, J., Grant, T., Connor, P., & Whitney, N. (2013). The value of the neuropsychological assessment for adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A case study. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 2(3), 79-86. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.107 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.107)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that reflects the range of potential effects resulting from Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE). Individuals with FASD may demonstrate cognitive, functional and adaptive challenges that are as debilitating as those experienced by individuals with the full fetal alcohol syndrome. This case study describes a young mother with PAE who was enrolled in a three-year intensive case management program and who was suspected of having FASD. Authors describe the neuropsychological battery that was administered and how assessment results were used to help members of a multidisciplinary team reframe their thinking and respond to the client’s neuropsychological strengths and impairments by adjusting their language, expectations and interventions accordingly. Recognized as a valued member throughout the assessment and intervention process, the client learned to develop strategies that supported her autonomy and self-advocacy.

Author Biographies

Joanne Sparrow, Seattle Pacific University and the University of Washington - Fetal Alcohol and Drug Unit

Seattle Pacific University - School of Psychology, Family and Community

Graduate student - clinical psychology

Paul Connor, University of Washington School of Medicine

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, Department of Health Sciences Administration, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States

Nancy Whitney, University of Washington School of Medicine

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Institute, Department of Health Sciences Administration, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States

Published
2013-08-07
How to Cite
Sparrow, J., Grant, T., Connor, P., & Whitney, N. (2013). The value of the neuropsychological assessment for adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A case study. International Journal of Alcohol and Drug Research, 2(3), 79-86. https://doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.107
Issue
Vol. 2 No. 3 (2013)
Section
Papers

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