How does it happen?

Simply put, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is caused when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol which is then passed on to the fetus.

During the first few weeks or months of pregnancy, a woman may not know that she is in fact pregnant. This is when severe damage can be done to the developing fetus. Alcohol in the mother’s bloodstream may be passed onto the baby. Depending on the stage in pregnancy, alcohol may have varying effects on the developing fetus.

Harding, M. (2016). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Retrieved from https://patient.info/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome-leaflet.

Hutchinson, N. (2014). Inclusion of Exceptional Learners in Canadian Schools: A Practical Handbook for Teachers. Canada: Pearson.

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What is FAS?

According to Hutchinson (2014), Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a significant neurodevelopmental disability caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol (p. 151). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one condition in the whole group of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Other conditions include: Alcohol related birth defects (ARBD) Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS) Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND) Harding, M. (2016). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Retrieved from https://patient.info/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome-leaflet . Hutchinson, N. (2014). Inclusion of Exceptional Learners in Canadian Schools: A Practical Handbook for Teachers . Canada: Pearson.

Behavioural & Intellectual Challenges

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 .

FAS in the Classroom

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 .

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

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