Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

In this short video, a mother describes the challenges her 10 year old daughter living with FAS faces on a daily basis.                                                                         Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTGWdcWjuZ8

Our course textbook, Inclusion of Exceptional Learners in Canadian Schools: A Practical Handbook for Teachers, offers some helpful tips for supporting students with FASD in the learning environment (p. 153). Use concrete, hands-on learning methods Establish routines and follow them Avoid surprises and loud noises Post a daily schedule and use an agenda Give short and simple instructions Give one task at a time Repeat tasks Reduce the auditory and visual distractions in the classroom For younger students, use a communication book that travels between school and home Use positive reinforcement techniques Hutchinson, N. (2014). Inclusion of Exceptional Learners in Canadian Schools: A Practical Handbook for Teachers . Canada: Pearson.

Getting to know the whole child It is important to note that no two cases of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome will be the same due to the complex nature of how/when it is acquired. Each child will have different strengths, interests, and learning challenges. The Ministry of Education (British Columbia) offers the following tips for teachers  when  preparing for a student with FAS in your classroom: Prepare for an interview/conference with the parent(s) and child Learn to ask for help when you need it Learn how to effectively communicate with the student Find out the student’s strengths, interests, and areas of need Become aware of what adjustments will be necessary in your planning, classroom environment, instruction, and assessment Ministry of Education, British Columbia. (1998) Teaching the student with FAS or FAE. Retrieved from http://www.faslink.org/Bcgov/teachstu.htm .

The FASD Group of Ottawa (meets monthly) More info can be found at: http://www.fasdottawa.ca/en/fasd/FASD_Group_of_Ottawa_p1363.html Wabano FASD Support Group : http://wabano.com

Along with visible signs of FAS, children born with this condition may experience the following challenges: Hyperactivity Lack of focus Poor coordination Delayed development (speech, social skills, movement, etc.) Learning disability Intellectual disability Heart problems Immature or aggressive behaviour Unfortunately, the list continues.. Healthline Media (2017). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome#overview1 .

Physical signs, symptoms, and medical concerns of children with FAS will differ depending on the degree of FAS, how much alcohol was consumed during pregnancy, and at what stages. Dr. Mary Harding (2016) lists common symptoms and signs of FAS: A small head Groove between nose and lip is flattened A thin upper lip A flat bridge of the nose Drooping eyelids Small eyes that are closer together Skin folds of the upper eyelids Harding, M. (2016). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Retrieved from https://patient.info/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome-leaflet .