What Is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

A psychology instructor with extensive experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, Dr. Robert Fettgather has served as an associate faculty member with Mission College since 1983. In this capacity, Dr. Robert Fettgather teaches courses in developmental psychology, general psychology, and psychopathology.

An unhealthy diet during pregnancy can result in certain developmental disabilities, including fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Some infants exposed to alcohol during pregnancy have historically shown signs of FASDs. These include hyperactive behavior, poor reasoning, an intellectual disability or low IQ, poor memory, and speech delays.

Different developmental problems spawn from FASDs, and only a segment of these signs are psychological. Non-psychological signs of FASDs include low body weight, abnormal facial features, impaired growth, poor coordination, and vision problems. Many of these signs and symptoms are lifelong.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend total abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy. If a pregnant woman consumes alcohol, the substance may transfer to the fetus through the placenta and cause adverse consequences for fetal brain development. Since a fetus’ brain grows throughout pregnancy, abstaining from alcohol at any stage of pregnancy can be beneficial. The CDC also recommends female abstinence from alcohol when anticipating pregnancy because it may take four to six weeks before pregnancy can be identified.

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Meditation and Discussions at the Tashi Lhunpo Buddhist Sangha

An associate faculty member at Mission College, Robert Fettgather taught courses in developmental psychology, psychopathology, developmental disabilities, and general psychology. A committed student of Buddhism, Robert Fettgather co-founded the Tashi Lhunpo Buddhist Sangha.

In 2007, Buddhist Lama Khenzur Lobzang Tsetan Rinpoche visited the Cowper Inn to open the Stanford Kantor Arts Museum. In collaboration with the Inn’s owner, Joji Arellano-Santos, the visit established a dedicated place for yoga practice and meditation within the grounds.

The project initially faced financial difficulties but eventually flourished, with Rinpoche holding many sessions at the Yoga Loft. It has grown to over 1,000 members who contribute and benefit from the Sangha.

The mission is to provide a central place for members to hold meetings on awareness, harmony, love, and various community activities, such as meditation during the week, namely on Wednesdays and Sundays.

Members participate in chanting and silent meditation at the Yoga Loft in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Members also discuss how to practice love and compassion for all living beings. Gatherings are free and open to everyone.

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Methods For Stress Management

Dr. Robert Fettgather is a lifelong meditator and has also served as a stress management trainer, certified by the Institute for Personality and Ability Testing.  

To reduce the stress of daily life, you can try reframing or examining a stressful or negative facet of life and describing it in a neutral or positive way. In effect, the new and positive "frame" holding the stressor allows for a different and healthier view. This act may help you distance yourself from the emotions invested in the negative experience and gain a new vantage point.  Another effective way to reduce stress is to avoid escape behaviors such as substance abuse, excessive eating, or uncontrolled spending. Instead, emphasize healthy mental processes such as mindfulness as a foundation for working through life challenges. 

Meditation practice promotes emotional health and helps control anxiety including job related anxiety. Short guided meditations practiced multiple times per week have been shown to benefit workers struggling with job stress. 

At work or home, cultivating a forgiving attitude, even when someone does something mean-spirited or harmful, promotes stress reduction.  For example, if someone cuts you off on the highway, let go, take a few deep breaths, and repeat an affirmation such as “It’s fine, I am safe and uninjured, let’s move on.”