Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Paper

This paper discusses the impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) on behavior, mind, and body. It explores the specific needs of a case study and identifies relevant models for understanding addiction and parenting. The paper concludes with critical questions and a discussion on the societal perception of addiction.

Running head: FASD PAPER 1
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Paper
Student’s Name:
Institutional Affiliation:

FASD PAPER 2
History of the Person
Julie is a 19-year old pregnant girl currently living in a community care home. Julie has a
history of drug and substance abuse. She has a DUI criminal record, she has been involved in
multiple domestic fights, and had a little parental connection when young due to the loss of her
mother in a drink-and-drive situation. Julie has been brought up with two brothers John and
James and both have a history of federal crime. It should be noted that other than drinking every
day, Julie suffers from constant relapses, she displays signs of emotional disability and anger
outbursts. Recently, she attached a fourteen-year-old boy to what she termed as a case of
"trespassing" her compound. A look at Julie’s academic background shows she is a high school
dropout.
Critical Risk Factors
The first critical risk factor is family addiction. The case shows that Julie's late mother
died of drunk-drinking – and this means that Julie may express similar behavior and conducts in
the future. Trauma and emotional abuse as a result of the lack of a parental mother figure present
itself as a critical risk factor (Streissguth, In Kanter, Lowry, Dorris, & Steinmetz, 2007).
Inadequate parental support coupled with emotional and psychological disturbances may
exacerbate an already volatile situation. Further, an unstable living environment means that Julie
lacks the emotional and psychological attention required to successfully recover from drinking
and salvage her pregnancy. Finally, the lack of stable employment and spouse support means that
Julie has to deal with a range of concerns to successfully navigate across her addiction and
pregnancy.

FASD PAPER 3
How does FASD Impact this Person Mind, Behavior, and Body
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has overarching effects on behavior, body, and mind. First, it
can lead to eruptive and violent behavior among kids with ineffective parental support. It impairs
reasoning by suppressing the development and growth of brain cells (Stratton, Howe, Battaglia,
Institute of Medicine & National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 2006). Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome affects the function of the brain and in the process affect the cognitive
abilities of young children. In terms of behavior, children are likely to display reduced levels of
intellect, poor memory, and deteriorating cognitive abilities. Stunted growth, poor judgment, and
lack of emotional intelligence may result from the long-term effects of the FASD syndrome.
Specific Needs of the Case Study
The victim displays the lack of a stable living environment, and this means she has to
deal with stress, inadequate sleep, and emotional disturbances. A history of alcohol abuse makes
it hard to protect the unborn and this poses a significant health risk on the physical health and
emotions of the children. Another special need is lack of social help from a caregiver. Emotional
control demands that victims interact and associate with experienced and mature caregivers. The
case of Julie shows that she lacks a responsible and experienced counselor to identify risk factors
and tailor a solution that is uniquely targeted at the reported needs.
Identification and Discussion of Models
The Attachment Theory
The Attachment Theory is a critical psychological theory and model used to evaluate
human behavior. The attachment theory holds that the development of children relies on their
intrinsic connection with elder people, parents, and responsible caregivers. Children with a better

FASD PAPER 4
emotional connection and attachment with parents are less likely to end up in addiction or
substance abuse (Fonagy, 2010). On the other hand, children with inadequate parenting and who
lack emotional attachment with parents are likely to suffer from drug addiction, violence,
intimate partner violence, and other conditions in the future. As a result, this analysis establishes
that Julie's present behavior and experiences are partly as a result of a lack of a responsible elder.
The mother was involved in a DUI fatal accident – and therefore Julie did not have a mother
figure to emulate (Simpson, 2008). Lack of parental connection and attachment may have
destabilized her emotionally and psychologically leading to alcohol abuse and early pregnancy.
Social Learning Theory
The social learning theory was modeled by Albert Bandura to help explain the behavior
of young children and the development of adults. This theory contends that children learn
through observation and emulation (Bandura, 2007). This stimulus promotes learning as children
interact with persons within their social environment; school, church, home, outing, and outside
events. The social learning theory further notes that a positive social environment nurtures
responsible children. This is particularly because it provides emotional and psychological
stability, and in the process helping in the achievement of overarching development goals. The
case study of Julie shows stark similarities with the social learning theory. This is primarily
because Julie’s childhood background bears horrifying stories of parental drug and substance
abuse (Boniface, 2009).
Relationship between Personal History and Addiction
The case study shows there are stark similarities and connections between Julie’s history
and drug addiction. She had a poor background and lack of parenting disposed her to drug

FASD PAPER 5
addiction and supposedly, early pregnancy. This means that Julie did not receive adequate
parental support. It further shows a lack of a stable upbringing environment to help nurture the
values of discipline, accountability, integrity, and self-control. Such values were not entirely
ingrained to Julie during her early development stages, and as a result, leading to addiction and
early pregnancy.
Services Best for this Client
A. Cognitive Behavioral therapeutic services – These are intended to understand the
client’s internal needs and tailor solutions that are adequately addressed to reported
issues.
B. Counselling and Group work – To help the client understand that her condition
affects may other people. This will create sense of acceptance much required for
successful therapy.
C. Clinical services and medical interventions – Patient-centered treatment including the
administration of drugs, treatment, and personalized care.
The relevance of the Models
The above models discussed are quite relevant to the case study as they bear stark
similarities. First, the attachment theory examines the relationship between parents and children,
and how this relationship influences the physical and emotional development of young children.
The case of Julie [and Jane] show that they lacked attachment with responsible and caring
parents and guardians (Catterick & Curran, 2014). As a result, the attachment theory is altogether
relevant to this case. On the other hand, the social learning theory seeks to define adult behavior
based on their childhood social learning. It notes that a child's social background forms a

FASD PAPER 6
fundamental influence on their adult behavior. This means that the social learning theory fits
perfectly within the given case study as it identifies the causes of parental failure that may
negatively influence a child's future in terms of early pregnancy and addiction.
Critical Question 1
Janet's condition shows that she is 19-years old pregnant woman. She has a history of
drug and substance abuse and uses alcohol on a daily basis. An investigation into her social life
shows that she arrives at her workplace late and she lives partly with her sister Samantha. An
evaluation for the presence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder shall take both her background
information and familial history. This is because an examination of her childhood shows that her
mother was often absent due to cases of addiction and substance abuse. As a result, Janet may
have received inadequate parenting, and perhaps suffered from the lack of mutual connection and
attachment with responsible caregivers. Her family history, life skills, and present experiences
shall be combined to establish a clear picture of a combination of factors that triggered the
present situation of drug abuse. Similarly, sharing a living space with her sister and lack of
decent accommodation attracts lack of stability and present significant threats and risks for Janet.
Critical Question 2
Persons struggling with drug and substance abuse suffer from inadequate parenting and
lack emotional and psychological attachment with responsible caregivers and parents. This
analysis brings to fore the perception held by the public that persons with addiction should make
better choices. Addiction, substance abuse, and early pregnancy are considered as a culmination
of poor life choices, as opposed to being linked with childhood experiences. Personally, I believe

FASD PAPER 7
that a more detailed and systematic approach to examine the cause of early pregnancy and
addiction should be developed (In Nelson & In Trussler, 2016).
And these systems must recognize the addiction and alcohol abuse is not entirely a
personal choice issue but rather a consequence of poor parenting. A growing body of research
points to a linkage between parenting and later life experiences. A chaotic domestic setting,
history of parents’ substance and drug abuse, lack of adequate parenting, and lack of a
responsible caretaker are risk factors associated with drug addiction and substance abuse (Kulp
and Kulp, 2013). Similarly, the lack of a significant connection and relationship with a
responsible caregiver may trigger negative experiences later in life (NIDA, 2003). As a result, it
is important the society realizes that an irresponsible caregiver, drug addiction, and criminal
behavior by parent and caregivers are other contributors.
References
Bandura, A. (2007). Social learning theory. Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Prentice Hall.
Boniface, D. (2009). Social learning theory.
Catterick, M., & Curran, L. (2014). Understanding fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A guide to
FASD for parents, careers, and professionals. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
Fonagy, P. (2010). Attachment Theory and Psychoanalysis. Other Press Professional.

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In Nelson, M., & In Trussler, M. (2016). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in adults: Ethical and
legal perspectives-- an overview of FASD for professionals.
Kulp, L., & Kulp, J. (2013). The best I can be: Living with fetal alcohol syndrome. Brooklyn
Park, MN: Better Endings New Beginnings.
NIDA. (2003). preventing drug use among children and adolescents: A research-based guide for
parents, educators, and community leaders. Second Edition. Retrieved from
https://www.drugabuse.gov/sites/default/files/preventingdruguse_2.pdf
Simpson, J. A. (2008). Attachment theory and close relationships. New York: Guilford Press.
Stratton, K. R., Howe, C. J., Battaglia, F. C., Institute of Medicine (U.S.), & National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (U.S.). (2006). Fetal alcohol syndrome: Diagnosis,
epidemiology, prevention, and treatment. Washington, D.C: National Academy Press.
Streissguth, A. P., In Kanter, J., Lowry, M., Dorris, M., & Steinmetz, G. (2007). The challenge
of fetal alcohol syndrome: Overcoming secondary disabilities.