Suter Science Seminars
Monday, January 19, 2009
4 p.m., Science Center 104
Recognizing the Effects of Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol as Key to Improving Life Outcomes for People
Daniel Dubovsky, MSW, LSW
When women drink during pregnancy, they not only affect their health, but they put their unborn child at risk of having a wide range of physical, cognitive and behavioral difficulties due to the prenatal exposure to alcohol. As the strongest teratogen that is easily available and most damaging to the fetus, the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure are life long but often are not recognized. Rather, the person affected by prenatal alcohol exposure is most often viewed as being uncooperative and unmotivated. Not only do we not identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), but also we often do not even ask women who are pregnant if they are drinking.
This presentation gives an overview of the effects of alcohol on a developing fetus and the resulting fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and discusses the behavioral and cognitive difficulties that children, adolescents, and adults with FASD often have at home, in school, and in the community. The importance of identifying both children and adults who have been affected by prenatal alcohol exposure is examined. The role of providers and families in identifying, educating and advocating for services for these individuals and their families is stressed. Specific strategies for intervening to attain optimal outcomes are highlighted.
As fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are 100% preventable, the session examines the very important role that prevention plays in addressing FASD.
About the Presenter
Daniel Dubovsky, MSW, LSW
Daniel Dubovsky has worked for over 35 years in mental health and developmental disabilities. After receiving his MSW, he worked as a therapist in a residential setting with children, adolescents and young adults with serious mental illness and other disabilities. Dan has also worked with all ages as a therapist in community-based and hospital settings, addressing both medical and psychiatric needs of those with acute, chronic and terminal illness.
Dan is currently the FASD Specialist for the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) FASD Center for Excellence. Dan has a keen interest in the provision of quality services to those with fetal alcohol syndrome, mental illness and/or developmental disabilities and their families. His teacher and mentor for FASD over the years has been his son Bill.
