Wonderland Developmental Center to open groundbreaking clinic for prenatal substance exposure

Site of Wonderland's new clinic in Canyon Park

On October 6, 2018, Shoreline-based Wonderland Developmental Center hosted its annual Night of Wonder Gala and Auction and officially announced its groundbreaking new Hope RISING™ Clinic for Prenatal Substance Exposure.

Wonderland’s clinic will be the nation’s first comprehensive center specializing in diagnosis and treatment of children birth through 12 years of age with suspected or confirmed prenatal exposure to any substances. Located in the Canyon Park area of Bothell, Washington at the Pacific Medical Center, the clinic is slated to open in early 2019.

“Hope RISING Clinic will revolutionize treatment and support for children with prenatal substance exposure as well as for the families who struggle day in and day out to care for them,” said Michelle Stiller Bradley, Wonderland’s Director of Programs and Services. 

“Evidence-based therapies and supports through our Boundless™ Program will reduce the shame and stigma and help children and families rise to their full potential. We are ready to make a difference!”

Hope RISING™ will address the shockingly high numbers of individuals and families whose lives are being devastated by substance abuse, including the opioid crisis. An estimated of 40,000 babies are born each year in the United States with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Alcohol is just one of many substances that can cause harm prenatally. Every 25 minutes, a baby is born in the U.S. suffering from opioid withdrawal. Snohomish County and the Olympic Peninsula lead the state in expectant mothers using opiates.

“Wonderland is addressing one of the most pressing issues by establishing a critically needed and unparalleled response to serving children and families impacted by prenatal substance exposure,” said Dr. Susan Astley, Director of the WA State Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic and Prevention Network.

Hope RISING Clinic (Resources, Intervention, and Support to Inspire and Nurture Growth) for Prenatal Substance Exposure will be available to families regardless of income, insurance or ability to pay, and will offer the following programs:

• FASD Diagnostic Clinic: Interdisciplinary assessment and diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders utilizing the FASD 4-Digit Diagnostic CodeTM.
• Training and oversight provided by the FAS Diagnostic and Prevention Network (FAS DPN) Clinic, University of Washington. 
• BoundlessTM Program: Clinical and in-home therapeutic services and support for children with suspected or confirmed prenatal exposure to any substances, and for their families. 

Wonderland Developmental Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and early-intervention agency based in Shoreline, currently serving 250 families and their children ages birth to three years each month in north King and south Snohomish counties. For over 50 years, Wonderland has been committed to providing a strong and equitable foundation for children and their families with diverse needs and abilities to flourish through therapy, education, advocacy, and resources.