Trauma & FASD: Latest research and practice for young people

Nine out of ten young people in Western Australian youth detention are severely impaired in at least one area of brain function such as memory, language, attention, and executive function (planning and understanding consequences).

New research, conducted in WA’s only detention centre and recently published found that: 89% were severely impaired in at least one area of functioning; 65% were impaired in three or more areas; and 1 in 3 had fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

Many young people displayed problems with remembering and recalling information, such as struggling to remember instructions. Others had difficulty understanding what was being said to them and being able to express themselves verbally, focusing their attention and being able to switch focus between tasks when required.

Impairments may come across in behaviours with young people appearing willfully naughty, defiant, or lazy, when in reality they may be struggling to remember, understand or comprehend what is required of them.  The study has resulted in research informed training for detention centre staff to better support these young people.  This is an opportunity to find out more about this study and possible early identification and interventions for schools.

Hayley Passmore BA Psychology(Hons);BCrim; PhD Candidate, Telethon Kids Institute
hayley.passmore@telethonkids.org.au 

Hayley is a PhD Candidate at the Telethon Kids Institute and School of Paediatrics and Child Health, The University of Western Australia. She has qualifications in Criminology and Psychology. Hayley has previous experience working with adult offenders and their families, and with vulnerable children and families across Western Australia. She is currently undertaking her PhD on the workforce development component of the NHMRC funded project titled ‘A feasibility study of screening, diagnosis and workforce development to improve the management of youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the justice system’.

Dr. Amy Finlay-Jones Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)
Amy.Finlay-Jones@telethonkids.org.au

Dr Finlay-Jones is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the NHMRC FASD Australia Centre of Research Excellence. She is currently completing a Masters in Health Economics and conducting research on the economic burden of FASD in Australia. Dr Finlay-Jones leads a program of work examining the utility of a transdiagnostic approach to early identification and intervention for neurodevelopmental disorders. Her research also encompasses strategies for supporting optimal outcomes for individuals living with FASD, including in schools.

Agenda:

1. Registrations 3 pm for 3.15 start
2. Research findings
3. Assessments used
4. Interventions and staff training provided at the detention centre based on findings
5. Implications for schools, references and resources
6. Q & A
7. Certificate of attendance provided

Expect outcomes for participants include:

• developing insight into current research on the impact of trauma, FASD and learning disabilities on young people entering detention;
• understanding possible ways to identify and respond to young people using the latest research findings; and
• identifying further resources and learning opportunities to increase knowledge and skills on the topic.

This is a joint event by the School Psychologists’ Association WA and Western Australian Primary Principals’ Association.