The Impact of a Neurocollaborative Theraplay® Informed Intervention on the Presentations of Developmental Trauma and Attachment Difficulties in Adopted Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: An Extended Case Study

The UK incident rate of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in looked after populations is estimated to be 27%. The vast majority of these children enter care due to experiences synonymous with the prodromal stages of developmental trauma and all of them experience some form of attachment disruption. The intersection between developmental trauma, attachment disruptions, prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), and FASD is an emerging and complex research area however there are currently no evidence based interventions specifically designed for young people with both FASD and early life trauma. Therefore, the purpose of this extended case study is to explore the impact of a novel, practice-based, neurocollaborative Theraplay (R)-informed intervention on the presentations of developmental trauma and attachment difficulties in adopted children with PAE. The study was based in a specialist trauma and attachment service based in the North of England. A total 16 families engaged in a therapeutic intervention based on the principles of Theraplay, sensory interventions, and Dyadic Developmental Parenting. Outcomes were measured on the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Young Children (TSCYC), the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL), the Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and the Assessment Checklist for Children. The TSCYC Depression subscale demonstrated a significant difference following therapy with a further three TSCYC scales approaching significance. Clinically meaningful change was also demonstrated for several participants across the outcome measures. Implications and limitations are discussed. It is hoped that this study can provide proof of concept for interventions targeting pre- and post-natal adversities such as PAE and developmental trauma.