FETAL ALCOHOL

SYNDROME DISEASE

Lauren Lee

What is FASD?

Fetal Alcohol

Syndrome Disease

encompasses

multiple conditions

(nofas.org, 2012)

Fetal Alcohol

Syndrome

Alcohol-related

neurodevelopmental

disorder

Alcohol-related birth

defects

Characteristics

(Nielsen, 2009)

Distinct facial features

Small/slow physical

growth

Brain damage

Learning and

behavioral problems

Causes of FASD

FASD occurs when

a woman consumes

alcohol during her

pregnancy

Does not result from

previous alcohol

consumption

Is not genetic

(Nielsen, 2009)

FASD through a lifespan

Infants & Toddlers: irritability, sensitivity to light, slow development, hyperactivity

Grade-School years: short attention span, low self-esteem, poor coordination

Teens: poor impulse control

Adults: need to deal with many daily obstacles such as housing, transportation and money handling

How to help while in school

The effects of FAS cannot be changed, but can be accommodated

Structure a Caring and Consistent Environment

Learn to translate misbehavior and shift your attitude while improving understanding

Change classroom teaching style (Bonsu, 2007)

How to change your teaching

style

Emphasize

consistency

Manage social skill

challenges that

impact learning

Use learning

accommodations

Rethink presentation

style-concrete &

literal (Bonsu, 2007)

At Home & In School

Repetition, consistency and clear consequences for behavior are important

Learn to tell when the child is getting frustrated and help out early (nofas.org, 2012)

References

Bonsu, Amy (2007). Reach to Teach.Retrieved from http://fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/documents/Reach_To_Teach_Final_011107.pdf

National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (2012). Living with FASD Strategies for Daily Living. Retrieved from http://www.nofas.org/living-with-fasd/

Neilson, Lee Brattland (2009). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Retrieved from Brief Reference of Students with Disabilities.