Saybrook PsyD student Martha White’s recent presentation to Hawaii state officials, including the Lt. Governor, has been posted to video. It can be seen here.
White gave the presentation, on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), as part of Hawaii’s programs for International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Awareness Day.
It’s a subject White has been passionate about since adopting a child from Eastern Europe who suffers from FASD. Her experience tending to her adopted daughter led her to eventually become a mental health counselor and advocate for children with related syndromes. She has a private counseling and consulting practice, specializing in preschool mental health, challenging behaviors, and adult recovery from childhood trauma.
Her academic work focuses on the intersection of neurodevelompental disorders, relational trauma, and dissociative disorders, especially as regards certain populations (foster children) who often have PAE (prenatal alcohol exposure), relational trauma, and extremely challenging attachment scenarios.
“I decided to go to Saybrook because of the intense frustration I have had working with (my daughter’s) various Mental Health teams, as she has been in RTC (residential treatment centers) for the past 12 months,” White said. “She is now home, and I continue to be amazed by the lack of any knowledge base about FASD in mental health!”
Watch the video to learn more.