The Mystery of Risk: Drugs, Alcohol, Pregnancy, and the Vulnerable Child
Prenatal exposure to drugs and alcohol is among the most frequently missed diagnoses in children’s health care. And, although prenatal alcohol exposure often is cited as one of the leading preventable causes of intellectual disabilities in the world, its role in causing behavioral problems in children is rarely recognized. As a result, the children’s behaviors are viewed as purposeful, parents are blamed for their children’s behavioral and academic difficulties, and medications are prescribed inappropriately. This pre-conference program will explore the structural and functional changes that occur in the fetal brain when exposed to alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and illicit drugs and link these changes to the long-term social, cognitive, and behavioral disabilities suffered by exposed children as they get older. Families and professionals will learn to look past the behaviors they see to understand the source of those behaviors in affected children. 6.5 CE hours approved for Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers, IL MFTs, and Nurses.
Nurturing Your Marriage
There is a dynamic connection between self-care and a healthy marriage. This workshop will be guided by two foundational principles: Self-care is never selfish and one cannot pour from an empty cup. We will discuss what we really mean by self-care and ways that a husband and wife can support each other in its pursuit.