What is FASD?
FASD is the acronym for "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders," a term applied to children who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol. Alcohol is a teratogen; it compromises the development of organs/systems that are being formed at the time of alcohol consumption by the expectant mother.
What is its Prevalence?
Studies estimate that 1 in 100 children are prenatally exposed to alcohol. In many cases, it goes unidentified, as outward physical signs that mark its occurrence are subtle or nonexistent. In the U.S., 13% of women continue to drink even after they learn that they are pregnant.
What are its Effects?
Although the nature and degree of the lasting effects vary from child-to-child, damage to the central nervous system (including the brain) is highly prevalent, and results in a set of learning and behavior patterns that become apparent after the child faces academic and behavior expectations of school, and that last throughout the life of the child and later, adult. MRI and neuropsychological testing studies have confirmed differences in brain structure and functioning, respectively, of children having FASD.
The injury is compounded if children are exposed to other risk factors such as: polydrug use by the expectant mother; malnutrition, sensory deprivation; emotional neglect; early trauma; and/or if prenatal alcohol exposure impacted the development of other organs/systems (hearing, for example). Children having FASD receive information from and respond to their environment in a manner that is different from "typical" peers. Their world view and resulting behaviors make sense to them, but not necessarily to those around them. The world -- the classroom in particular -- is a confusing and frustrating place, but given thoughtful external supports and training, they can learn both academic skills and adaptive behaviors.
What Can Educators Do?
There is much within the control of the education community to maximize the success of children having FASD. The school and classroom environment, instructional content and strategies, and behavior support systems can all be constructed to address their learning needs. Many of the strategies used to maximize their outcomes have also proven successful with children who demonstrate learning differences, but who have not necessarily been prenatally exposed to alcohol.
How Can Educators Learn More?
The resources provided below are just a few that are available to assist educators in addressing the learning needs of children having FASD. All, with the exception of those at FAS Bookshelf, can be accessed or downloaded at no charge. You will notice that the overwhelming majority originate from Canada. Indeed, Canada has been addressing the issue of FASD for several decades, and has developed a network of community links, systems, methods, and materials at the national, provincial, and municipal levels. Much can be learned from how they have approached the challenge that FASD provides, both for prevention and intervention. If you have questions or need more information, please do not hesitate to contact us at info@elpidaeducation.comor by phone at (614) 488-8185.
Manitoba Minister of Education, Training and Youth. (2001). Towards Inclusion: Tapping Hidden Strengths. Planning for Students who are Alcohol-Affected. Winnipeg, Manitoba: Manitoba Education, Training and Youth, School Programs Division. Online (Free):http://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/ks4/specedu/fas/index.html
Alberta Learning (2004). Teaching Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Building Strengths, Creating Hope. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Learning, Special Programs Branch. (165 pages)
Online (Free):http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/k_12/specialneeds/fasd.asp
Alberta Learning (2004). Sample Professional Development Activities to Support Teaching Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Edmonton, Alberta: Alberta Learning, Special Programs Branch. Online (Free):http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/k_12/specialneeds/fasd.asp 
 Alberta Learning (2002). Teaching for the Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Grades 1-12. A Resource for Teachers of Health and Life Skills and Career and Life Management. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Learning, Learning and Teaching Resources Branch. (210 pages)
Online (Free): http://www.education.gov.ab.ca/k_12/curriculum/bySubject/healthpls/fas.pdf
 U.S. National Institutes of Health. Better Safe than Sorry - Preventing a Tragedy: A Science and Health Curriculum.
Online (Free): http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/Science/curriculum.html
Region 6 Edmonton and Area Child and Youth with FASD Sub-Committee (2005). Strategies Not Solutions. Edmonton, AB: Region 6 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Child and Youth Sub-Committee. (57 pages)
Online (Free): http://www.region6fasd.ca/pdfs/FASD%20Region%206%20-%20Strategies%20Not%20Solutions.pdf
Roberts, G. & Nanson, J. (2000). Best Practices: Fetal Alchol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects and the Effects of Other Substance Use During Pregnancy. Ottawa, ON: Health Canada. (125 pages) Online (Free): http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/alt_formats/hecs-sesc/pdf/pubs/drugs-drogues/best_practices-meilleures_pratiques/bestpractices_e.pdf
Basford, D.L. & Thorpe, K. (2005). State of the Evidence: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Centre for Child, Family & Community Researach & University of Lethbridge. (14 pages) Online (Free): http://www.research4children.org/public/data/documents/FASDPreventionExecutiveReportpdf.pdf
 Premji, S., Serrett, K, Benzies, K., & Hayden, K.A. (2004). The State of the Evidence Review: Interventions for Youth with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Edmonton, AB: Alberta Centre for Child, Family, & Community Research. (225 pages)Online (Free): http://www.research4children.org/public/data/documents/premjifinalreportFASDinterventionpdf.pdf
Badry, D. & Chouinard, I. (2003). Fetal Alchol Spectrum Disorder International Research and Practice Inventory: Focus on Prevention and Intervention. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Centre for Child, Family, & Community Research. (97 pages) Online (Free): http://www.research4children.org/public/data/documents/FASDlitscan.doc 
 Knowledge Network (2002). F.A.S.: When the Children Grow Up. Burnaby, British Columbia: Knowledge Network. Tells the stories of three adults living with FAS/E, some who were diagnosed early and others who were not, and the events, programs, and people who made a difference in their lives. Online (Free): http://www.knowledgenetwork.ca/fas/resources/documentary/index.html
TheAlcohol Related Birth Injury Resource Site Educators Consortium URL: http://www.arbi.org/education/educatio.html
FAS Bookshelf, Inc. This website provides a central place from which to order materials as well as to explore links to other relevant sites.
URL: http://www.fasbookshelf.com
 FASD Connections -- This website is focused on supporting adolescents/adults having FASD, but has links to a host of valuable resources that pertain to all ages. It also has a discussion forum.
URL: http://www.fasdconnections.ca
For discussion of FAS/FAE |
For families who have adopted kids with FAS or FAE |
For families whose adopted children are alcohol exposed and have symptoms of |
Reactive Attachment Disorder |
Support list for parents of teens/adults only |
For parents who wish to home school their children with FAS/FAE |
Christians who are either family members or individuals with FASD or who have |
been diagnosed themselves. |
For birth moms with kids with FAS/FAE |
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