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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one of the disorders that falls under the umbrella term FASD. These are a group of conditions that occur to the fetus if the mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord.

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Erin was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder. Her mother was drinking, unaware she was pregnant.

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Diagnosis for FAS is difficult because there is no medical test for it. Also other disorders like ADHD and Williams syndrome have some symptoms that are alike to FAS symptoms. Doctors look for: Abnormal facial features (e.g., smooth ridge between nose and upper lip)

Lower than average height and weight

Central nervous system problems

Prenatal exposure to alcohol

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There is no cure for FAS but with early intervention there are services that can improve a child’s development.

-Mediation can help with some behaviors

-Behavior and education therapy

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Ask your doctor for a referral to a specialist! There are clinics whose staff have special training in diagnosing and treating children with FAS.

http://www.nofas.org/resource-directory/

You can call your states early intervention program to find out if your child can receive help services. Follow this link if your child is younger than 3 years old
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/parents/states.html

If your child is 3 years old or older contact your local public school system, even if your child is too young for preschool or kindergarten you can contact the school board and ask to speak to someone to have your child evaluated
https://www.parentcenterhub.org/preschoolers/

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Structured Environment:

Simple rules

-Concrete rules are to be written out

-use picture cues

-review rules

-practice rules

-same language when teaching and enforcing rules

-rules are to be consistent

-give consequences immediately when a rule is broken

Simplify student notebooks and belongings

-one notebook

-color coded dividers

-2 sets of books (one to be kept in the classroom and the other one to be kept at home)

-backpack

Open communication between home and school

Consistent Routine

-assign seats

-post and review daily schedule

-assist students with transitions (signals, calm voice)

Keep Presentations Brief

-keep language simple

-break information into small chunks

-use pictures

Use Variety

-use videos, computers, images, photographs

-write directions on the board

-use Multi-sensory learning (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile)

-use activity base learning (learn by doing, work in groups)

-use technology tools

Repetition is KEY

-practice, practice, practice

-step by step approach

-teach steps in the same sequence

Use Creativity, Flexibility and Humor

-use creative approaches when students have difficulty understanding concepts

-be flexible when a student is overwhelmed

-use humor when tensions are high and nurture the student’s self esteem

Have compassion and patience

-praise achievements whether they be large or small

-celebrate improvement

-frequent encouragement

WORK AS A TEAM
https://sites.duke.edu/fasd/chapter-4-the-fasd-student-and-the-classroom/

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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder impacts you, but you don’t know it | Nora Boesem | TEDxRapidCity

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Define and organize classroom space:

-place students desk away from distractions

-label storage shelves and things around the classroom with photos, pictures and words

Keep the classroom tidy and neat:

-use baskets and bins to keep classroom materials and supplies organized

Visual Distractions are to be kept at a minimum:

-nothing hanging from the ceiling

-quiet colors

Quiet and Calm environment:

-low lighting and low noise level

-soft music

-headphones for quiet time

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Each person can be affected in different ways and the signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Some signs and symptoms include:
-abnormal facial features

-small head size

-shorter than average height

-low body weight

-poor coordination

-hyperactive behavior

-difficulty with attention

-poor memory

-difficulty in school (especially in math

learning disabilities

-speech and language delays

-intellectual disability or low IQ

-poor reasoning and judgement skills

-sleep and sucking problems as a baby

-vision or hearing problems

-problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones