The life phases of adolescence and young adulthood are an especially difficult time for those with the complex yet often subtle neurodevelopmental disabilities that characterize FASD. Useful intervention during these phases of life has been a glaring omission in the continuum of FASD intervention. Groups for teens and young adults diagnosed with FASD are one promising new direction. Another relatively new direction lies in special retreats and conferences that provide young adults with FASD a chance to gather together, discuss issues of special concern to them, and perhaps prompt action on public policy.
Researchers are now developing models for teen groups. These groups have a central focus on learning and practicing social skills— including how to appropriately establish intimacy and build trusting, positive peer relationships. Such teen groups can provide developmentally appropriate (and very literal) education about such topics as substance use, dating and sexuality, and provide ideas for leisure time activities and jobs at which the teens can be successful. Because these teen groups are a safe forum for talking about sexuality and related issues, they can also serve a role in FASD prevention. Teen groups might also provide siblings of individuals with FASD a chance to process some of their own issues. Experienced clinicians are developing an innovative teen group model as a program within the continuum of family support services offered by the Washington state affiliate of NOFAS, led by Allison Brooks.
Support and resources for older adolescents and young adults are clearly important, yet have not been easily available. Within the past few years, a small but growing number of retreats—in Michigan and Alaska, for example— have been organized for adolescents and young adults with FASD. Generally, these retreats require that the diagnosed individual bring along a support person. As increasing numbers of individuals with FASD are diagnosed, these opportunities for adolescents and young adults to gather together will likely become more and more important.
• Create curricula and procedures for teaching teen groups and young adult retreats.
• Initiate these groups and retreats in association with FASD parent support/advocacy organizations, or with organizations that focus on developmental disabilities, youth services, or mental health.
• Systematically evaluate the impact of these intervention efforts.