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FASD Diagnostic Clinic
We're the only clinic in Alaska
for children and adults.
If you are parenting or caring for someone who may have been exposed to alcohol before they were born, we’re here to help through our Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) program.
We serve individuals who experience challenges with learning, behavior, and sensory issues. Our goal is to support people and their families so they learn about their disabilities, improve their life skills and have what they need to be successful.
Established on the Kenai Peninsula back in 2001, Frontier’s diagnostic clinic is one of three in the state and the only clinic that diagnoses both children and adults with FASD.
Dr. Marguerite McIntosh
MD, Family Medicine
Services
1
We start with an assessment
While meeting in person for the first time, we learn about the individual’s complete history. To get an accurate diagnosis, we work with a team of experts in medicine, psychology, speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to perform several evaluations. Based on those evaluations, a doctor prepares a report with an overview of how the person's brain works, how they learn, their strengths and their struggles. The individual will come back for a second visit with us to review the results and get a final diagnosis. We recommend testing at three years of age, as a teenager and again later in life if there is a change of cognitive function and behavior. Diagnosis is an important tool in helping parents raise children with FASD, in planning for education, transition to adulthood, and work-life.
2
You’ll have a support team and resources going forward
After an FASD diagnosis is made, a doctor will explain what it means, answer questions, and recommend assistance the person may need. This includes guidance on individualized education program (IEP) processes for children within their schools. We also help adults understand how they may be affected, how they learn, why they may experience different health issues later in life and prepare them for possibly needing more assistance. We will connect families with resources and make referrals to specialists and other community members or organizations within the person’s home community whenever possible to offer new learning strategies and tools.
Serving our community
through education
Frontier’s FASD team offers state certified training locally and across Alaska, often bringing in nationally recognized speakers. Educational opportunities can be scheduled for students, teachers, professionals, families, and community members.
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FASD 101 -- Basics of the disability
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FASD 201 -- Developing interventions
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FASD training for clinics -- Creating quality reports for an accurate diagnosis
FASD Resources
Frontier’s FASD program office has a library of excellent resources, including books, articles and videos on prevention and intervention for FASD and secondary disabilities.
Alaska FASD Website
National Office on FAS
Stone Soup Group
Magan Wohlers
FASD Family Navigator
Our Partners
