The Northeast FASD Regional Training Center (RTC) is one of 4 Centers currently funded by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  A curriculum has been developed which covers various topics of prenatal alcohol exposure and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (see below).  Originally developed as a “train the trainer” model for medical and Allied Health students and personnel, New Jersey has adapted the curriculum to suit various audiences. Covered over 2 full days of training, each module is self encapsulated and can be presented as single sessions.  Thus, trainings can be done for any of the modules, and for any amount of time.  The curriculum also has been adapted for use with various other professions, such as education, corrections and legal, child protection, foster care, substance treatment, and state organizations.

NJ FAS RTC CURRICULUM SUMMARY

1. Historical and epidemiological perspective of FAS as a recognized condition from
       pre-1973 -current.  Research trends

2. Addiction

 a. Theories of addiction
 b. Categories and stages of alcohol use
 c. Signs of change in use
 d. DSM categories
 e. Interventions

3. Screening of pregnant women and women of child bearing age at risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancies : models and methodologies

       a. Basic definitions
 b. Demographics and other risk factors
 c. When to screen/suggested screening protocols
 d. Brief interventions

4. The effects of alcohol on the developing embryo and fetus
        
        a. Effects of alcohol on cellular processes
        b. Birth defects associated with alcohol use
        c. Demographic and genetic variants of alcohol’s effects

5. Screening, diagnosis and assessment of individuals with FAS and alcohol related disorders
    Characteristics of the disorder, including co-occurring disorders/disabilities
  
 a. Basic definitions
 b. Diagnostic tools (CDC and Seattle 4 digit code)
 c. Multi-disciplinary assessments
 d. Genetic syndrome rule-outs
 

6.   Primary and secondary disabilities in individuals with FAS/FASD through the lifespan

        a. Domains affected by alcohol
        b. Lifespan disabilities
        c. Secondary disabilities usually associated with alcohol exposure

7. Case management through the lifespan

 a. Intervention strategies, treatment and long-term case management issues
 b. Local, state and national resources

8. Legal, ethical, policy and media issues for individuals and families

 a. Legal and ethical issues for families
 b. Patient Confidentiality/HIPAA
 c. Policies and laws -state and national.
 d. Media suggestions

The RTC has completed trainings in the tri-state area as well as in Delaware, Maine, Maryland and Connecticut.  The RTC also has a special contract with Puerto Rico in which the Center is not only training the medical school personnel, but assisting in trainings for various organizations and state agencies.  All of the trainings will eventually be translated into Spanish for future use.

The NE FASD RTC is located in Newark, on the UMDNJ campus of the NJ medical School.  For more information on trainings, please contact:

Susan Adubato, Ph.D.

Co-Director, Northeast FASD RTC

UMDNJ-NJMS

30 Bergen Street

ADMN 1608

Newark, NJ 07101

(973) 972-7717

adubatsu@umdnj.edu