
Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders lag in emotional understanding
Even in children with an average IQ, researchers found that emotional understanding lags by two to five years behind typically developing peers.

Intervention for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders has biggest impact on parents
A new pilot study finds that children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and their families benefit from a multi-component intervention, with the biggest change seen on the parents’ abilities to respond to their children’s needs.

Treated mothers pass along benefits of therapy
Study shows children also benefit when mothers receive therapy for depression. Part of the improvement is a result of shifting the mother’s vantage point with time-limited therapy that focuses on resolving symptoms and interpersonal issues.

Kids in stressful environments may adapt cognitive skills
A new study shows that early experiences of environmental harshness, in combination with personal temperament, can shape the child’s problem-solving abilities later in life.

How thinking about behavior differently can lead to happier FASD families
Caregivers of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders who attribute their child’s misbehavior to neurodevelopmental disabilities rather than willful disobedience tend to use more effective parenting strategies, according to a new Mt. Hope Family Center study.

Building Healthy Children program honors graduates
A group of young mothers have completed a three-year program of the University’s Mt. Hope Family Center that offers early intervention support in their new roles as parents.

Grant funds STRONGER to help trauma victims
The new project of the Mt. Hope Family Center will provide treatment services for 800 children and adults exposed to a wide array of stress and trauma, and will promote policies for trauma care.

Q&A: Understanding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Prenatal alcohol exposure is the largest preventable cause of developmental disabilities in the United States. Christie Petrenko discusses her research and clinical interventions with children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and their families.

Why does stress in relationships affect parenting?
Mt. Hope Family Center researchers Melissa Sturge-Apple and Patrick Davies have been awarded a $2.9 million grant to research how conflicts and stress between parents spill over to influence interactions between parent and child.

Can’t resist temptation? That may not be a bad thing
A new study finds that what might have been described as “maladapted” behavior or a lack of self control may actually be beneficial and thoughtful behavior for children who have been raised in resource-poor environments.