Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Conference Slated for August in Columbus

On Tuesday, August 15, 2006 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, Ohio's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Steering Committee will hold  "Ohio Working Together for a Better Future: 2nd Annual Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Conference."   FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. 

Three of the nation's foremost experts in research and practice related to FASD will offer keynote presentations at the conference. Edward P. Riley, PhD, professor, Department of Psychology, San Diego State University, will start off the morning. A post-luncheon speech will be given by Diane V. Malbin, MSW, executive director of FASCETS, Inc. and the closing keynote will be delivered by Ann Streissguth, PhD, professor emeritus, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine. 

Prenatal exposure to alcohol and other drugs is the leading cause of preventable birth defects in the country. Under the direction and leadership of Mrs. Hope Taft, First Lady of Ohio, Ohio's child-serving agencies have announced their collaboration to support Ohio's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Initiative, focusing on prevention, early intervention and diagnosis. 

The Ohio Departments of Aging, Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services, Education, Health, Job and Family Services, Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Rehabilitation and Correction, and Youth Services are working together with Ohio Family and Children First, institutes of higher education, providers and parents to implement a statewide strategic plan to address FASD. 

This conference will serve as a culmination of three years of careful planning and coordination to bring awareness and an expansion of services for Ohioans and their families affected by FASD.

Visit www.notasingledrop.org to view conference and registration details.  The user-friendly website will also provide a wealth of information about FASD, screening and diagnosis, evidence-based strategies and practices, and much more.