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

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.

Evaluation Plan: Treatment and control groups will be compared using pre- and post-tests measures. Post-tests will be at the conclusion of the intervention and at a 6-month follow-up. Process (e.g., parent satisfaction, compliance, etc) and outcome (e.g., math skill, behavior, family functioning, etc) measures will be evaluated.