Conduct-Disordered Adolescents With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Youth with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are in a perilous circumstance. FASD is associated with a high rate of self-regulation problems and trouble with the law and is underdiagnosed. Standard juvenile corrections-based interventions often do not meet the needs of these vulnerable youth. This article describes what is known about conduct-disordered adolescents with FASD and the neurocognitive deficits that directly affect emotional and behavioral self-control. The authors propose guidelines for the assessment of FASD within residential treatment settings and analyze interventions that show promise for inpatient treatment of youth with FASD.