1. Assessing FASD and Complex
Developmental Behavioural
Conditions (CDBC)
Interior HealthInterior Health
Children’s Assessment NetworkChildren’s Assessment Network
Presentation by:Presentation by:
Christy Bryceland, Ph.D., R. Psych.Christy Bryceland, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Okanagan Ability CentreOkanagan Ability Centre
www.okanaganabilitycentre.comwww.okanaganabilitycentre.com
cbryceland@telus.netcbryceland@telus.net
2. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum DisorderFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Developmental disorder secondary to alcoholDevelopmental disorder secondary to alcohol
exposure in uteroexposure in utero
Specific neurobehavioural pattern +/- physical signsSpecific neurobehavioural pattern +/- physical signs
Identifiable deficits in at least 3 areas, which mayIdentifiable deficits in at least 3 areas, which may
include cognition, motor skills, executive functioninclude cognition, motor skills, executive function
and/or social skillsand/or social skills
Prevalence is estimated at 9.1 per 1000 birthsPrevalence is estimated at 9.1 per 1000 births
Chudley et al., CMAJ, March 1, 2005Chudley et al., CMAJ, March 1, 2005
3. Impact on Brain FunctionsImpact on Brain Functions
Learning deficitsLearning deficits
Poor Impulse ControlPoor Impulse Control
Social Skills deficitsSocial Skills deficits
Language skills deficitsLanguage skills deficits
Poor abstraction/metacognitionPoor abstraction/metacognition
Math skills deficitsMath skills deficits
Memory/attention/judgment deficitsMemory/attention/judgment deficits
4. Assessing FASDAssessing FASD
Interior Health Children’s Assessment NetworkInterior Health Children’s Assessment Network
(IHCAN)(IHCAN)
We are an assessment team that provides inter-We are an assessment team that provides inter-
disciplinary assessments to children with complexdisciplinary assessments to children with complex
developmental conditions.developmental conditions.
Children must be referred by a medicalChildren must be referred by a medical
professional and there must be significantprofessional and there must be significant
suspicion/ confirmation of gestational exposuresuspicion/ confirmation of gestational exposure
to alcohol exposure plus impairment in a numberto alcohol exposure plus impairment in a number
of domains of functioning (development/of domains of functioning (development/
learning, mental health/behavioural,learning, mental health/behavioural,
adaptive/social skills)adaptive/social skills)
5. IHCANIHCAN
IHCAN is funded through PHSA, andIHCAN is funded through PHSA, and
provides assessments for children 0-19 livingprovides assessments for children 0-19 living
in the Interior Health Authority catchmentin the Interior Health Authority catchment
area.area.
Children referred for FASD or CCYChildren referred for FASD or CCY
assessments are seen in 6 sites within theassessments are seen in 6 sites within the
health region (Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops,health region (Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops,
Williams Lake, Nelson and Cranbrook).Williams Lake, Nelson and Cranbrook).
6.
7. CDBC AssessmentsCDBC Assessments
IHCAN completes assessments in 3 differentIHCAN completes assessments in 3 different
areas: FASD, Autism Spectrum Disorders andareas: FASD, Autism Spectrum Disorders and
other Complex Developmental Conditions (CCY)other Complex Developmental Conditions (CCY)
We have been completing FASD assessmentsWe have been completing FASD assessments
since January 2006since January 2006
Families undergoing IHCAN FASD assessmentFamilies undergoing IHCAN FASD assessment
can access the Key Worker Agency Programcan access the Key Worker Agency Program
(partnership with MCFD)(partnership with MCFD)
8. Complex Children and Youth (CCY)
This is a category designed to catch children who do
not meet referral criteria for FASD or autism
spectrum disorders, but who present with “complex
developmental behavioural conditions.”
The same conditions for intake apply: the child must
be showing impairment in multiple areas of
functioning, and community resources have not been
able to address (e.g. complex medical
condition+learning challenges)
Need to access community resources first – has a
school psychoeducational assessment been completed
(if possible)?
9. IH Total FASD Referrals &IH Total FASD Referrals &
Assessments Age 0 -19 from 2006- JulyAssessments Age 0 -19 from 2006- July
20102010
ReferredReferred ~1000~1000
AssessedAssessed ~650~650
Children and YouthChildren and Youth
diagnosed with andiagnosed with an
FASDFASD
~2/3 or >400~2/3 or >400
10. Current FASD waitlist (July 2010)Current FASD waitlist (July 2010)
Region Under 6 6 + Total
EK – E. Kootenay 6 18 24
KB - Kootenay
Boundary
2 5 7
OK 1 - South OK 1 11 12
OK 2 – Central OK 3 21 24
OK3 – North OK 2 13 15
OK 4 –S. Arm 1 7 8
OK 5 - Revelstoke 0 1 1
TCS 1 – Merritt 1 5 6
TCS 2 - Kamloops 6 24 30
TCS 3 – Williams
Lake
5 18 23
Totals: 27 123 150
11. Ways for schools to support a
referral
Provide documentation for families to take to
family doctor and/or paediatrician regarding
school’s concerns – be descriptive rather than
prescriptive
Assist family in accessing referral –
encouraging medical/paediatric referral
Paediatricians decide if it is an appropriate
referral for IHCAN
12. FASD: Canadian Diagnostic Guidelines 2005FASD: Canadian Diagnostic Guidelines 2005
Diagnosis is complex and requiresDiagnosis is complex and requires
comprehensive history, physical andcomprehensive history, physical and
neurobehavioural assessment – anneurobehavioural assessment – an
interdisciplinary approach is necessaryinterdisciplinary approach is necessary
In Canada, we utilize the University ofIn Canada, we utilize the University of
Washington Diagnostic Code and CanadianWashington Diagnostic Code and Canadian
Diagnostic GuidelinesDiagnostic Guidelines
Chudley et al., CMAJ, March 1, 2005Chudley et al., CMAJ, March 1, 2005
15. 4 Digit Code & Canadian Diagnostic4 Digit Code & Canadian Diagnostic
GuidelinesGuidelines
Application of the Code + Canadian guidelines resultsApplication of the Code + Canadian guidelines results
in multiple variations fitting into or being excludedin multiple variations fitting into or being excluded
from one of four diagnostic categories:from one of four diagnostic categories:
1.1. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (confirmed exposure)Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (confirmed exposure)
2.2. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (without confirmation)Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (without confirmation)
3.3. Partial FAS (confirmed exposure)Partial FAS (confirmed exposure)
4.4. Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental DisorderAlcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
(confirmed exposure)(confirmed exposure)
16. University of Washington guidelines
You will also see diagnoses of:You will also see diagnoses of:
1.1. Static Encephalopathy (alcohol exposure unknown)Static Encephalopathy (alcohol exposure unknown)
2.2. Neurobehavioural Disorder (alcohol exposed)Neurobehavioural Disorder (alcohol exposed)
These categories are used to diagnose individuals with
alcohol-related impairments who are not captured by
Canadian guidelines.
This includes individuals for whom we cannot confirm
alcohol exposure, as well as those who have milder levels of
impairment.
Diagnosis needed to access chronic health designation.
Some cases of success for categorizing “neurobehavioral
disorder” if evidence of school failure.
17. REMINDER:REMINDER:
The different diagnosesThe different diagnoses do notdo not representrepresent
functional differences or “mild” forms offunctional differences or “mild” forms of
FASD; they only represent visible,FASD; they only represent visible,
physical features – CNS damage isphysical features – CNS damage is
present withpresent with allall six diagnostic categoriessix diagnostic categories
18. Interdisciplinary Team MembersInterdisciplinary Team Members
Core team members:Core team members:
Intake CoordinatorIntake Coordinator
Assessment CoordinatorAssessment Coordinator
PaediatricianPaediatrician
PsychologistPsychologist
The team may also include:The team may also include:
Psychiatrist (can replace paediatrician)Psychiatrist (can replace paediatrician)
Occupational TherapistOccupational Therapist
Speech Language PathologistSpeech Language Pathologist
20. Neurobehavioural Assessment:
9 domains
1. Sensory/Motor (“hard and soft signs”)
2. If available, imaging results showing differences in
brain structure.
3. Cognition
4. Communication
5. Academic Achievement
6. Memory
7. Executive Function
8. Attention/Activity Level
9. Adaptive Behaviour/Social Communication
21. A domain is considered “impaired”
when on a standardized measure:
Scores are 2 standard deviations or more
below the mean
This equates to:
a percentile rank of 2nd
or lower
a standard score of 70 or lower (most
measures)
23. Psychology domains: Cognition
Overall intelligence, verbal intelligence,
nonverbal intelligence
Common measures:
Wechsler scales – the WAIS-IV, WISC-IV,
WPPSI-III
4 Index Scores: Verbal Comprehension,
Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory,
Processing Speed (not all within cognition)
24. Cognition
You are likely to see a broad range of abilities
A significant minority will be have an
intellectual disability (IQ below 70)
Others will have even, “average” profiles
Others will have highly uneven profiles,
usually with visual-spatial skills better than
verbal skills
IQ is not highly predictive of function
25. Psychology domains:
Academic Achievement
Standardized assessment by the psychologist plus
review of school records
We can accept recent school testing if we have
standard scores
Typically we assess with the WIAT-II (Canadian
norms)
• Reading
• Writing
• Math
26. Academic Achievement
Academic skills may be relatively intact or
may be very low.
Math problems are very common.
Those who have language problems are also
likely to have poor reading comprehension.
May do better with more concrete skills (word
reading, spelling) but have more challenges
with abstract skills (comprehension, math
reasoning)
27. Psychology domains: Memory
Includes standardized assessment by the
psychologist plus interview questions to
parent/caregiver
Testing such as the WRAML-2, NEPSY,
Children’s Memory Scale, WMS-III
Measures of:
• Visual memory
• Verbal memory
• Working memory
• May include: immediate, delayed, recognition
28. Memory
Many have poor functional memory – however, you
may see a variety of reasons for this.
• Some won’t be able to pay attention to what they’re
supposed to learn.
• Some won’t be able to actively search their memory,
but can recognize info in a multiple choice
framework.
• Problems with working memory are often distinct
from problems with short/long term memory.
Those with language problems may have better visual
than verbal memory.
29. Psychology domains:
Executive Functioning
A set of high-level thinking skills responsible
for organizing and directing the brain’s
activities in order to meet long-term goals
Very sensitive
Difficult to assess – use a combination of
standardized testing, parent/teacher report,
observation, and history
Very difficult area in younger children –
harder to do valid and reliable testing
30. Executive functioning:
Very common area of weakness – however,
standardized tests for children are relatively new and
are not always sensitive.
Clinical manifestations may include severe problems
with safety awareness, inability to learn from
consequences, denying wrongdoing even when
caught “red handed,” inability to multitask, inability
to improvise when something goes wrong,
perseveration or “sticky thinking”
31. Executive Functioning
Our test guidelines mandate:
Parent and/or teacher report of executive
functions in daily life
Direct testing of:
• Inhibition
• Working Memory
• Planning/cognitive flexibility/
organizing/abstract reasoning (some of these
domains covered in other tests, e.g. WISC)
32. Psychology domains:
Attention and Activity Level
Another sensitive indicator
Some standardized testing may be possible, but most
crucial information is probably parent and teacher
report on formal questionnaires (e.g. Conner’s, Stony
Brook) + observation
Teacher reports are very important
Many children and youth seen in the system already
have an ADHD diagnosis – if it is considered
‘trustworthy’ then that alone may constitute evidence
of impairment
33. Psychology domains:
Adaptive functioning/social
communication
Tests in many of the other areas are intended
to measure what the child can do under the
best possible circumstances (“ideal” testing
environment)
Adaptive functioning tests are intended to
measure what the child does do in his/her own
environment – at school and at home
34. Adaptive functioning
Adaptive behaviour is measured by
parent/teacher report – and also through
clinical interview with caregiver
Common measures: Vineland, ABAS, SIB-R
(we most typically use ABAS)
Includes real-life communication, self-care,
self-direction, home living and social skills
Time, money, safety, social vulnerability are
key areas
35. Adaptive functioning
Adaptive behaviour is often very low in this
population, even when intelligence is average
In interpreting questionnaires we have to
consider the literacy, analytical skills and
possible bias of the informant, particularly
parents with FASD – in this case teacher
reports are crucial (they are generally helpful
collateral information)
36. Additional domains: sensory/motor
Psychologist does screening of visual motor
integration, fine motor coordination and visual
perception (Beery VMI) and by interview
Can refer to OT if significant concerns
Sensory concerns are evaluated qualitatively –
by interview/observation
37. Additional domains: language and
social communication
Psychology testing looks at verbal reasoning
skills
Consideration of “higher level language” and
abstraction through some measures of
executive functioning
Further assessment by SLP can be
recommended
38. Adjunct Assessment: SLP and OT
Limited resource: approx 40 out of 500
assessments or 1/12
Need evaluated on a case by case basis – can
be decided at intake or by psychologist after
testing completed
Sometimes OT or SLP assessment has already
been completed by community – especially in
younger children. We can use this info.
39. Speech Language Assessment
Standardized testing of core language (receptive and
expressive language) – assessment tools such as
Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals - 4
Additional testing of “higher level language” and
social communication – these measures seem less
standardized/more qualitative. Example: Test of
Narrative Language. Test of Problem Solving
(TOPS) is standardized measure of abstract language
40. Occupational Therapy Assessment
Standardized assessment of fine motor skills
and visual motor integration
Often: Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor
Proficiency
May also assess gross motor skills and sensory
sensitivities – sensory assessment is more
qualitative and thus difficult to quantify
severity in our ranking system
41. Team Deliberation and FamilyTeam Deliberation and Family
ConferenceConference
After all appointments are completed, the teamAfter all appointments are completed, the team
spends time reporting their findings, agreeing uponspends time reporting their findings, agreeing upon
diagnoses and discussing the most appropriatediagnoses and discussing the most appropriate
recommendations.recommendations.
The team then sits down with the family and sharesThe team then sits down with the family and shares
this information with them and with the supportthis information with them and with the support
people they may choose to invite.people they may choose to invite.
We leave it up to families to invite schoolWe leave it up to families to invite school
professionals. Sometimes this is more sensitive (e.g.professionals. Sometimes this is more sensitive (e.g.
birth mothers) and we may do parts with family onlybirth mothers) and we may do parts with family only
even if professionals have been invited.even if professionals have been invited.
42. Assessment Goals:Assessment Goals:
To ascertain if there is a Fetal Alcohol SpectrumTo ascertain if there is a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
DisorderDisorder
To discover what is making it difficult for thisTo discover what is making it difficult for this
child/youth to be successful, and whatchild/youth to be successful, and what
interventions we can recommend to assist theinterventions we can recommend to assist the
child and family with overcoming barrierschild and family with overcoming barriers
To ensure that recommendations are specific,To ensure that recommendations are specific,
reasonable and achievable while focusing onreasonable and achievable while focusing on
identified needs and taking into account strengthsidentified needs and taking into account strengths
and personal/community resourcesand personal/community resources
43. Assessment Summary
The multidisciplinary team will produce a short report on the
day of feedback (sometimes hand written).
This summarizes diagnosis and key assessment findings as
well as key recommendations.
This is the only report signed by all professionals, and is
needed to support designation under chronic health (given
multidisciplinary guidelines).
We encourage families to share the report with schools but all
documentation is owned by families.
44. Key Recommendations
Tailored to the individual, but often recommend:
An individualized learning plan at school (we do not
direct schools how to designate children – rather we
describe difficulties in a way to facilitate this should
schools feel it would be helpful)
Support of the “key worker” – this is a family
advocate rather than someone who can work directly
with the child or youth. Limited mandate, variable
service.
Possible medication recommendations
Possible mental health follow up
45. Psychology Report
Comes out several weeks after the team feedback.
Shared directly with families and medical
professionals. Families are encouraged to provide a
copy to schools and if there is sensitive personal
information, we may provide a “school version” to
facilitate this.
Summarizes findings in much more detail.
Additional specific recommendations for families as
well as schools.
46. Psychology Report:
A consumer’s guide
Key components of report:
Reason for Referral
Identifying/Background information
Behavioural Observations
Tests used
Results: review of test findings – correspond to
FASD domains
Summary and diagnostic conclusions
Detailed recommendations
47. Psychology Report:
A consumer’s guide
1. Flip to the summary/conclusions section – look for
the diagnoses as well as an overall description of
the concerns – what are the strengths and
weaknesses? What is the level of difficulty in
different areas?
2. Look at the recommendations – many of these are
aimed at schools to assist with developing an
IEP/school plan, understanding the child’s learning
style and providing appropriate accommodations
3. If desired, you can review test findings in more
detail.
48. Case example:
How do you get a “brain 3”?
John Smith example:
- 16 year old
- In utero alcohol, LSD, cocaine and marijuana in first 14 weeks
of pregnancy – stopped when she knew she was pregnant -
mom is adopted and believes she may have FASD herself
- History of learning problems as well as attachment disruption
- Has ADHD diagnosis – tried meds but couldn’t tolerate side
effects
- School avoidant in the last year (so school reports less
available) – choosing to attend shop class only
- Viewed as bright and capable and previous academic testing
revealed low average to above average skills (Woodcock
Johnson) but weak visual motor skills
- Has been identified as having LD in writing – some
accommodations provided
49. Case example:
How do you get a “brain 3”?
Overall IQ not meaningful, large discrepancy
between IQ domains – visual skills are 75th
percentile,
verbal 16th
, working memory 5th
, processing speed 1st
Significant academic problems – history of written
output challenges, on testing reading is average, but
written math and spelling/writing are below 1st
percentile
VMI 9th
percentile, fine motor 4th
percentile (note OT
assessment would have been helpful, but not
available on outreach in small community)
50. Case example:
How do you get a “brain 3”?
Memory testing showed visual memory at the 2nd
percentile, verbal memory scores scattered from
below average to average
Executive functioning: reported difficulties in all
areas – testing shows weak scanning as well as
working memory/cognitive flexibility and multi-
tasking, and poor inhibition (not all testing is low)
Very compliant and focused during testing – ADHD
not outwardly visible – now qualifies for inattentive
subtype
51. Case example:
How do you get a “brain 3”?
Adaptive functioning at the 1st
percentile
Strengths in communication and community
use
Weaknesses in health and safety, home living,
self care, self direction, social and leisure
52. Case example:
How do you get a “brain 3”?
Weaknesses in language reasoning and related
academic problems suggest a language-based
learning disability
Also a specific LD: Disorder of Written
Expression, complicated by fine motor/visual
motor challenges and problems with visual
scanning
Meets criteria for ADHD, inattentive subtype
53. Case example:
How do you get a “brain 3”?
Multiple impaired domains: cognitive (scatter),
achievement, visual memory, executive functions,
attention and adaptive meet the “severe” criteria
No findings of growth impairment or facial features
Diagnosis is 1134 or Alcohol Related
Neurodevelopmental Disorder
For John who appears high functioning and has
generally average to high average cognitive
(especially visual strengths) – this is truly an
“invisible disability”
54. Case Study: Recommendations
Strengths based learning program – e.g. good at
mechanics – find a way to build program around
strengths
Visual and hands-on learner
Reduce verbal demands
Adjust for slower processing speed
Adaptations for written output challenges
Recognize and support memory impairment
Structured, predictable environment – lots of support
as “external brain”
55. Assessment Outcomes
Better understanding of the child or youth’s learning
profile, challenges, strengths and needs
Hopefully impacts to school planning and provision
of supports
Limited access to intervention programs outside of
school context (not like ASD programming)
In adulthood, may have access to disability services
such as Persons With Disabilities funding or Personal
Supports Initiative through Community Living BC
Family may be eligible for Disability Tax Benefit
56. Designation of students for
Special Education Services
FASD is most often designated under “chronic health
impairments”
IHCAN covers 16 different school districts and each
has their own policy and interpretation of assessment
information with regards to designation of students
under Ministry of Education guidelines
A diagnosis seems to be a requirement (not just a
description of challenges) and needs to include
medical assessment (multidisciplinary)
57. From the policy manual:
In some cases, students diagnosed through the Complex Developmental Behavioural
Conditions (CDBC) Network as children and youth with complex needs may be
included in this category. Regionally, the CDBC Network has been established to
assess children and youth with complex needs, including children and youth who
may have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). A clinical diagnostic assessment by
the CDBC Network or by qualified specialists (psychiatrist, registered psychologist
with specialized training, or medical professional specializing in developmental
disorder) is required. The assessment must include and integrate information from
multiple sources and various professions from different disciplines that indicates the
student with FASD or the complex developmental behavioural conditions is exhibiting
an array of complex needs, with two or more domains being impacted (social
emotional
functioning, communication, physical functioning, self determination/
independence, and academic/intellectual functioning).
See: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/special_ed_policy_manual.pdf
58. FASD district partners
SD 23: Sue Thompson (Central Okanagan) –
sthomson@sd23.bc.ca
250-979-0029
SD 22 (Vernon): Cheryl Turner
cturner@sd22.bc.ca
250-549-9240
For other partners see:
http://www.fasdoutreach.ca/about-us/district-
partners/district-partners
59. Where are services accessed?Where are services accessed?
Ministry of EducationMinistry of Education
Ministry of Children and Family DevelopmentMinistry of Children and Family Development
(Keyworker, CYSN, CYMH, Probation)(Keyworker, CYSN, CYMH, Probation)
Adults- CLBC, Mental HealthAdults- CLBC, Mental Health
Ministry of Housing and Social DevelopmentMinistry of Housing and Social Development
Interior Health AuthorityInterior Health Authority
Community AgenciesCommunity Agencies
60. Ministry of EducationMinistry of Education
In B.C., children/youth identified with anIn B.C., children/youth identified with an
FASDFASD maymay qualify for additional supports inqualify for additional supports in
their educational settingtheir educational setting
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/independentschools/bc_http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/independentschools/bc_
www.fasdoutreach.cawww.fasdoutreach.ca
61. MCFD – Keyworker programMCFD – Keyworker program
Key Worker Agency Program and Parent toKey Worker Agency Program and Parent to
Parent Support Groups funded by MCFDParent Support Groups funded by MCFD
(Ministry of Children and Family(Ministry of Children and Family
Development) and contracted out to variousDevelopment) and contracted out to various
private agency around the provinceprivate agency around the province
http://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/fasd/kw_support.htmhttp://www.mcf.gov.bc.ca/fasd/kw_support.htm
62. MCFD – continued…MCFD – continued…
Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH)Child and Youth Mental Health (CYMH) ––
child/youth with an FASD may qualify forchild/youth with an FASD may qualify for
counselling and support if they have additionalcounselling and support if they have additional
mental health concernsmental health concerns
Child and Youth with Special NeedsChild and Youth with Special Needs
(CYSN)(CYSN) – may provide supports if child/youth– may provide supports if child/youth
has an FASD and an intellectual disabilityhas an FASD and an intellectual disability
63. Victoria Foundation Funded PilotVictoria Foundation Funded Pilot
Projects for 2010Projects for 2010
http://www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca/web/files/Sept2009_Fhttp://www.victoriafoundation.bc.ca/web/files/Sept2009_F
Gateway Program at the John Howard Society (South CentralGateway Program at the John Howard Society (South Central
Okanagan)Okanagan)
Pacific Community Resources Society (Vancouver-to-Pacific Community Resources Society (Vancouver-to-
Chilliwack)Chilliwack)
Women’s Health Research Institute (Vancouver area)Women’s Health Research Institute (Vancouver area)
Alberni Valley FASD Community Action Group (PortAlberni Valley FASD Community Action Group (Port
Alberni)Alberni)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Society of BC (AsanteFetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Society of BC (Asante
Centre, Vancouver)Centre, Vancouver)
64. Community Living British ColumbiaCommunity Living British Columbia
Adults with an FASD may now qualify forAdults with an FASD may now qualify for
life-long supports IF they have significantlife-long supports IF they have significant
impairment in adaptive functioning (below theimpairment in adaptive functioning (below the
0.1 percentile)0.1 percentile)
Supports may include supported living,Supports may include supported living,
respite, employment support, skillrespite, employment support, skill
development, homemaker support anddevelopment, homemaker support and
development of support networksdevelopment of support networks
http://www.communitylivingbc.ca/individuals-famhttp://www.communitylivingbc.ca/individuals-fam
65. Trouble with the Law/ForensicsTrouble with the Law/Forensics
Forensic involvement opens service doorsForensic involvement opens service doors
Specialized programs for youth who commitSpecialized programs for youth who commit
sexual and violent offensessexual and violent offenses
General and specialized mental health servicesGeneral and specialized mental health services
for eligible youthfor eligible youth
Community treatment and supervision ofCommunity treatment and supervision of
youth who have received a conditionalyouth who have received a conditional
dischargedischarge
66. Ministry for Housing and SocialMinistry for Housing and Social
DevelopmentDevelopment
For some older youth (18+)/adults with anFor some older youth (18+)/adults with an
FASD and an inability to work full time,FASD and an inability to work full time,
financial support may be available via MHSDfinancial support may be available via MHSD
through the Persons with Disabilities or PWDthrough the Persons with Disabilities or PWD
http://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/PUBLICAT/bcea/pwd.hhttp://www.hsd.gov.bc.ca/PUBLICAT/bcea/pwd.h
67. Interior Health AuthorityInterior Health Authority
IHA funds Alcohol and Drug counselling forIHA funds Alcohol and Drug counselling for
youth. Many of the counsellors have receivedyouth. Many of the counsellors have received
specific training regarding necessaryspecific training regarding necessary
modifications when treating youth with anmodifications when treating youth with an
FASDFASD
Developmental Disability Mental Health –Developmental Disability Mental Health –
trained youth mental health therapiststrained youth mental health therapists
(generally youth also have an intellectual(generally youth also have an intellectual
disability to qualify)disability to qualify)
68. Summary – Community Services forSummary – Community Services for
individuals with an FASDindividuals with an FASD
Without additional diagnoses or forensicWithout additional diagnoses or forensic
involvement, individuals with an FASD do notinvolvement, individuals with an FASD do not
generally qualify for specialized services in BCgenerally qualify for specialized services in BC
In our region, there are no services that work directlyIn our region, there are no services that work directly
with the person affected by FASDwith the person affected by FASD
The Key Worker Agency Program is the onlyThe Key Worker Agency Program is the only
provincial program for FASD and its mandate is toprovincial program for FASD and its mandate is to
work with families and other professionalswork with families and other professionals
Editor's Notes
Talk about referral form here and hand outs
We do accept referrals from GPs in outlying areas where it is difficulty to access pediatrics. In areas like the Okanagan we tend to accept referrals primarily from peds and psychiatry. If a referral is from a GP family will be encouraged to get a pediatrician.
Full time psychologists work in the Okanagan region (Kelowna) as well as out of Kamloops and Nelson. Other areas are covered by outreach clinics combined with local resources where available, or families travelling to assessment centres. Twice a year psychologists travel to Cranbrook for outreach clinics. We recently added Williams Lake outreach clinics – this is in transition.
Now at intake social worker calls to provide screening when IHCAN 1st receives a referral
Does the family consent to the assessment?
Are they in crisis
Inform about the next steps
– they will be connected with key worker at this stage if they need support with completing intake paperwork and general support with the assessment processes. In some cases key workers are very involved with supporting referrals.
CCY examples: genetic syndrome, developmental delay w/ behavioural problems; FASD type presentation but unconfirmed alcohol exposure; medical condition + learning problems + social emotional/psychiatric problems
(Concern re. asking for “a referral to IHCAN” as opposed to outlining the school’s concerns in multiple domains – think about behaviour, social, academic, cognitive, adaptive, etc.
Growth impairment defined as at or below 10th percentile – current and birthweight also included. Growth impairment seems to be the rarest finding (anecdotal).
A “brain 2” can sometimes be just as impaired functionally as an individual with a “brain 3” – although in general we are seeing milder symptoms.
Brain 2s can grow into Brain 3s (anecdotal) as they age - widening gap in executive functioning, adaptive expectations
It may be decided at intake if SLP or OT need to be involved, or the psychologist may decide based on their testing that further testing is warranted in these areas. Limited funding for SLP and OT – about 40 out of 500 assessments (less than 1/12).
SLP/OT assessment is generally required if these domains are to be evaluated as impaired (psych does screening measures only).
Draw attention to cross over of some domains – e.g. adaptive/social
Note – I have yet to do an assessment where imaging results are available – although there is a hope that this can eventually be part of the diagnostic coding in a bigger way. Not sure how functional/ realistic this is?
Note re. Woodcock Johnson and American norms – higher scores less comparable to IQ test to diagnose LDs
Limited testing of children under the age of 7 or 8 – which is why “ideal time” for FASD assessment is when the child is 8+
Interview questions to validate – ask questions about daily living, self care, hygeine, safety, routines, domestic skills, etc.
Pattern – often psych testing finds more deficits than SLP testing – may be aspects of the core tests are too visually based or that the problems tend to be with abstraction and higher level language (anecdotal)
Key Worker program – run through MCFD but through contracts to many different organizations – key workers have varying qualifications – sometimes are very helpful, not consistently. Intended to help families understand assessment results and apply recommendations.
Report needs to meet multiple needs – so a lot of information, not always accessible to all audiences
Reporting requirements of our college, needs of school districts for numbers and needs of families/schools to understand the information
Note – counterintuitive to the visual verbal discrepancy on IQ testing
SD 23 one of the most conservative
Window that can include “neurobehavioural” – 2 or more domains (needs to include academics) – not as specific about severity