Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)

For more than 15 years the Department of Professional Development and Applied studies has been raising awareness, offering educational programs, and conducting outreach to address perinatal substance abuse.

Alcohol use during pregnancy is a leading, preventable cause of mental retardation in the United States. Maternal alcohol use can result in a multitude of lifelong difficulties including growth retardation, behavioral problems, and other central nervous system deficits. The range of effects caused by alcohol use during pregnancy are collectively referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).  Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most recognizable condition, and includes cognitive impairments, intrauterine and/or ongoing growth retardation, and specific measurable facial features.

Unfortunately, Wisconsin leads the nation in reported drinking among women of childbearing age, and each year approximately 150 - 200 Wisconsin babies are negatively affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. Our programs serve to raise awareness and promote prevention of alcohol-exposed pregnancies; as well as offer information, strategies and skills development for providers and families working with individuals affected by FASD.

Join the mailing list to receive information about upcoming programs by mail or e-mail.

Tell a friend or colleague about these programs.

Workshops

Program title (Programs listed in alphabetical order)	Upcoming dates	Brochure (when available)	More information (when available)	Link to register online
Training of trainers (TOT) for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) educators	Mar 1-5, 2010	Brochure	Catalog	Register online
Human brain: impact of alcohol and other drugs on the human brain	Nov 13, 2009	Brochure	Information page	Register online

Conference

The 2010 National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Conference will be held Friday, April 30, 2010 at American Family Insurance National Headquarters, Madison, WI. Preconference sessions will held Thursday, April 29, 2009 at the Holiday Inn at the American Center. e-mail Kristi Obmascher to join the mailing list for the 2010 conference.

FASD onsite training and consultation

Let us bring the expertise and experiences of the University of Wisconsin-Madison directly to you! We can provide one-hour to one-week training on a range of issues related to women, alcohol, and pregnancy including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). To get more information on consultation and training, visit Kristi Obmascher's consultation page.

FASD Awareness and Outreach

Wisconsin will help celebrate the 2009 International FASD Awareness Day

Please join us on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 from 8 - 9:30 am at the Monona Terrace in downtown Madison, Wisconsin. The FREE program will include short presentations on FASD, women and alcohol, and families affected by FASD. A light continental breakfast will be provided.

Check out the Monona Terrace website for directions and parking information.

For more information contact Kristi Obmascher toll free at 1-800-752-3157 or 608-262-8971 or kobmascher@dcs.wisc.edu

Also of interest

• Alcohol and Other Drug Issues - More AODA classes offered by the Department of Professional Development & Applied Studies
• WWEN: Wisconsin Women's Education Network - Treatment, recovery and prevention for Wisconsin Women
• For more information on alcohol and pregnancy: http://pregnancyandalcohol.org

Contact

For more information contact: Kristi Obmascher, 608 262-8971, e-mail: kobmascher@dcs.wisc.edu