Keynote: “The Nature of Nurture: Biology, Environment, and the Drug-Exposed Child” [see description & schedule]

Dr. Chasnoff is President of the Children’s Research Triangle (CRT) and a Professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He is one of the nation's leading researchers in the field of maternal drug use during pregnancy and the effects on the newborn infant and child.  His research projects include a study of the long-term cognitive, behavioral and educational developmental effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol, cocaine, and other drugs; the effects on birth outcome of prenatal treatment and counseling for pregnant drug abusers; and the effectiveness of both outpatient and residential treatment programs for pregnant drug abusers. 

Dr. Chasnoff received his medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and served a pediatric residency at Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago.  He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics and a member of the Society for Pediatric Research and the Society for Research in Child Development.  He is the author of five books and numerous articles on the effects of drug use on pregnancy and on the long-term outcomes of prenatally exposed children. Dr. Chasnoff’s most recent book, The Nature of Nurture: Biology, Environment, and the Drug-Exposed Child,  explores the biological and environmental factors that impact the ultimate development of alcohol- and drug-exposed children and presents practical strategies for helping children reach their full potential at home and in the classroom.

The recipient of several awards for his work with high risk women, children, and families, Dr. Chasnoff for several years has been selected by a poll of physicians across the nation for listing in America’s Best Doctors, cited for his ability to translate complex medical and psychosocial issues into relevant policy that guides the delivery of quality services. 

Workshop: Neurocognitive Habilitation: A New Therapy for Children with Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol and Illicit Drugs [see workshops page for schedule]

Description: This program will present a new research-based therapeutic curriculum that incorporates a dyadic model grounded in sensory integration therapy for children ages six to 12 years-old with prenatal exposure to alcohol and illicit drugs.  The randomized controlled study through which this curriculum was developed demonstrated significant impact on the child’s executive functioning and self-regulatory capabilities. 

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