Your Clinic Visit: University of Washington FAS DPN    
Below is a description of a typical visit to the University of Washington FAS DPN Clinic presented in our Clinic Brochure. Your experience at the other Washington state clinics will be very similar.
  • What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?
  FAS is a birth defect syndrome characterized by poor growth, learning and behavioral problems, and a unique cluster of facial features.  FAS is caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.  Not all children exposed to alcohol during gestation are born with FAS.  The majority of individuals affected by prenatal alcohol exposure have the learning and behavioral problems, but not the facial features. The full spectrum of outcomes caused by prenantal alcohol exposure is called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)..
  • Who does the FAS DPN Clinic serve?
  The FAS DPN Clinic provides FASD diagnostic evaluations to individuals of all ages (infants to adults) who have a confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure.
  • What happens during an evaluation at the FAS DPN Clinic?
 

The clincal team includes a medical doctor, two psychologists, a speech-language pathologist, an occupational therapist, a family advocate, and a social worker.

Clinic is held on Fridays. Two patients are evaluated each Friday, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Before coming to clinic, caregivers complete a questionnaire (called a New Patient Information Form) that documents the patient's developmental history and the caregivers' concerns. In preparation for the appointment, the Clinic collects copies of previous school, medical, and psychological evaluations.  On the day of the appointment, the caregivers are interviewed by the medical doctor and psychologist while  the patient is assessed by a psychologist, speech-language pathologist, and occupational therapist. After the interview and clinical examination, the clinic team meets to derive a diagnosis and establish referrals for treatment and services. The caregivers then meet with the clinic team to discuss the diagnosis and referrals. If you would like to read more about this interdisciplinary diagnostic process, click here.

Caregivers participate as an essential member of the team throughout the evaluation process. The clinical evaluation and discussion of the diagnosis and referrals takes approximately four hours.
  • How to make an appointment with the FAS DPN Clinic
  To make an appointment with the University of Washington FAS DPN Clinic, you will need to complete a New Patient Information Form which documents the patient's developmental history.

To receive the New Patient Information Form, please call (206) 598-7666 or email us at fasdpn@uw.edu. Leave your name, address, phone number, and the patient's name and date of birth, and the form will be mailed to you.

Return the completed New Patient Information Form and you will be contacted regarding an appointment.

Additional FAS DPN clinics are located in Everett, Pullman, Spokane and Yakima. You will be given the option to be seen in the clinic nearest you.
  • Location
  The FAS DPN Clinic is located at the University of Washington, Center on Human Development and Disability (CHDD) just across the street from the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.

The FAS Clinic is a cooperative effort between the University of Washington CHDD and the Department of Social and Health Services.
  • Cost
  A fee will be charged to cover services. No family is refused services because of an inability to pay
  • Family satisfaction with the Clinic
  Among the first 2,000 families served in clinic:

99% said they would recommend the clinic to other families in similar need.

90% said they received information they needed and were unable to obtain elsewhere.

"I was very impressed with the depth of the evaluation and especially the feeling of warmth and concern for the whole family."

"I am absolutely speechless at the genuine concern and professionalism of the team that saw my granddaughter."

"Your clinic has been so supportive and provided us with some much needed information."

"I was so impressed with the knowledge, caring and willingness to help."

"Your clinic is not only efficient, but willing to listen to the parents concerns and offer services that may help."
  • For more Information Contact:
 

FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network
Center on Human Development and Disability
Box 357920
University of Washington
Seattle, WA 98195-7920

(206) 598-7666

email: fasdpn@uw.edu

FAS DPN Website: fasdpn.org

 
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