The Nature of Nurture : Biology, Environment, and the Drug-Exposed Child

The figures appear to be overwhelming. Eighty percent of children removed from their homes by child protective services are removed because of drug and alcohol problems in the family. More than half of mothers placing their babies for adoption through private agencies have used drugs or alcohol during pregnancy, and children could suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which manifests itself in behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and even organ malformation.When Love is Not Enough Despite these statistics, families continue to adopt and care for these children, believing that with enough love they can overcome obstacles. In The Nature of Nurture, Dr. Ira J. Chasnoff reveals that it takes it takes knowledge, skills, and understanding. In easily accessible language he provides the reader an enlightened approach for managing a child’s behavior based in theory, proven though the research, and grounded in his own extensive experience.Case Studies Written for foster and adoptive parents, educators, as well as health care and social service professionals, The Nature of Nurture presents the latest data, analysis, and insight complimented by case studies taken from real-life stories of children and families who have been at The Child Study Center, the clinical center of Children’s Research Triangle for the evaluation and treatment of high-risk children and their families.Clear and Concise Coverage Contents Discussions of risk factors for both infants and growing children prenatally exposed to alcohol or drugs, specifics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), and possible behavior problems, including biologic basis of behavior. Dr. Chasnoff also explains home, family, and classroom factors in behavioral change, emotional issues, and learned patterns of behavior.In addition, the book presents details on developing an intervention strategy (promoting desired behaviors, using social reinforcers, teaching prosocial behavior and problem-solving, and identifying and replacing inappropriate behavior). Through careful examination of these topics and more, the author shows that teaching a child to manage his or her behavior becomes its own mechanism for reinforcement. The book includes drawings and charts to better illustrate technical concepts.