GoFAR: improving attention, behavior and adaptive functioning in children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Brief report.

OBJECTIVE

This brief report describes the GoFAR intervention designed to improve attention, behavior, and adaptive functioning in children with FASD, ages 5 to 10 years.

METHODS

Thirty children were randomized to one of three conditions: GoFAR; FACELAND, and CONTROL; 25 completed the interventions. Over 10 sessions children and caregivers learned a metacognitive strategy (FAR) designed to improve cognitive control of behavior and adaptive functioning and practiced it during behavior analog therapy. Attention, behavior problems, and adaptive skills were measured pre- and post-intervention.

RESULTS

From pre- to post-testing the GoFAR intervention group improved on the Test of Variables of Attention (TOVA). Both intervention groups improved in Daily Living Skills.

CONCLUSION

This pilot study demonstrated that children with FASD and their caregivers benefit from a focused intervention designed to improve effortful control of behavior. The study suggests the need for a larger clinical trial to evaluate the intervention's effectiveness.