FASD Training of Trainers Certificate

Current, evidence-based information on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) for those who need to become FASD trainers

Many medical, allied health and human services providers, educators, and others work with patients or clients who are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure, regardless of diagnosis. However, they may lack training to effectively identify, refer, and/or provide effective treatment services. Few agencies or communities offer local fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) training to address these important issues. Our highly evaluated Training of Trainers (TOT) training helps address this gap in services.

This program supplements other professional training. It does not certify participants to provide substance abuse counseling and/or services to individuals affected by an FASD.

Faculty bios

David Wargowski, MD, is a medical geneticist and pediatrician at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. He sees patients suspected of having an FASD, as well as those with a wide range of genetic and developmental disorders. Dr. Wargowski is the medical director for the Great Lakes FASD Regional Training C enter and the Wisconsin FASD Treatment Outreach Project; and education director for the UW Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics and Metabolism.

Georgiana Wilton, PhD, is a senior scientist in the Dept. of Family Medicine at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. She earned her PhD in rehabilitation psychology and has worked in the field of developmental disabilities for more than 25 years. Dr. Wilton is the principal investigator of several projects addressing the prevention, identification, and treatment of FASD at UW-Madison, and works directly with women-specific AODA treatment providers in Wisconsin to identify women at risk of FASD and develop treatment modifications to accommodate their unique deficits.

Kristi Obmascher, BS, is a senior outreach specialist for UW-Madison Continuing Studies. She has been providing FASD prevention, education, outreach, and support to families for more than 20 years.

Learning objectives

• Demonstrate techniques to prevent FASDs
• Differentiate diagnostic criteria for FASD spectrum
• Summarize prenatal effects, developmental implications, and intervention strategies throughout the lifespan
• Demonstrate understanding of adult learning theory and presentation techniques

Certificate requirements

Upon successful completion of the following requirements, participants earn the FASD Trainer Certificate from UW-Madison:

• Full participation in five-day training
• Completion of pre/post-training evaluations
• Submission of written assignment
• Small group presentation (teach-back)
• Passing final exam (at least 80% proficiency)
• Provision and evaluation of at least two FASD-related trainings within six months of TOT training

NOTE: Participants who would like to learn more about FASD but do not want to become a certified trainer are welcome to attend the first three days of training (Monday-Wednesday).

Training topics

• Foundations of FASD
• Women and alcohol
• FASD resources
• Biological effects of alcohol on the fetus
• Screening, diagnosis and assessment of FASDs
• Developmental implications of FASDs
• Treatment approaches across the lifespan
• Preventing FASDs: community and individual approaches
• Strategies for providing FASD education
• Strategies for reaching medical and allied health providers
• Resources for teaching and evaluation

General information

Cost: Cost includes instruction, training materials, breaks each day, continuing education units, and a nonrefundable administrative fee of $20. Lunch is on your own.

• Training of Trainers Certificate Program (Monday-Friday): $499
  Upon full completion of the training and program requirements participants receive an FASD Trainer Certificate from UW-Madison.
• FASD Workshop (Monday-Wednesday only): $399
  Participants do not receive the FASD Trainer Certificate.

Limited enrollment: Priority is given to individuals who serve medical and allied health providers and/or students.

Cancellation policy: If you are not able to participate in the program, you are welcome to identify a substitute. If you must cancel and do so up to three business days prior to the program, you will receive a full refund minus a $20 administrative fee. If you cancel less than three business days prior to the beginning of the program, or do not participate, you are responsible for the entire fee.

Sponsored by: University of Wisconsin–Madison Continuing Studies

Cosponsored by: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Dept. of Family Medicine, Great Lakes FASD Regional Training Center (GLFRTC), and Wisconsin FASD Treatment Outreach Project (WTOP)

Continuing Education Hours: Participants receive 3.0 CEU (30 hours) for completion of the five-day training, and 1.8 CEU (18 hours) for completion of the three-day training. UW-Madison Continuing Studies is an approved CEU provider for social workers, substance abuse counselors and other professions. Check this page for the types of credits offered to program participants.

Location: The Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., Madison (map). Parking information will be sent upon program registration.

Lodging: Check this page for area overnight accommodations.

Registration details

Register online or by phone: 608-262-2451.