An Evaluation of Neuro-Physiological Psychotherapy for Adopted Children and Young People with Neurodevelopmental Trauma and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Who May Meet Criteria for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder

An Evaluation of Neuro-Physiological Psychotherapy for Adopted Children and Young People with Neurodevelopmental Trauma and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Who May Meet Criteria for Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder

Elaine McCullough, Dixie Larbi, Anna Liguori, Alicia Mejia, Raja Mukherjee, Rachel van Schaick, Missy Ward, Jay Vaughan · Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma

This evaluation extends earlier Family Futures research to a larger treatment group and examines prenatal alcohol exposure. Parent and teacher ratings indicated differences favouring treated children on selected executive-function and behavioural measures compared with a non-equivalent control group. Improvements in behavioural regulation were also observed among children with prenatal alcohol exposure.

Limitations: Non-randomised, non-equivalent comparison groups cannot establish treatment causality. Parent and teacher proxy ratings are not children’s accounts. Exposure to alcohol does not establish a confirmed FASD diagnosis. Extends earlier NPP evaluations rather than providing an independent replication. Research evaluates Family Futures’ own therapeutic service. Several authors work for the provider; this institutional relationship should be considered when interpreting findings.

Research type

Non-randomised comparative service evaluation

Source reviewed

Abstract

Peer reviewed

Yes

Age group

Mixed