The ABCs of Back to School with FASD

A- Alcohol. My child was exposed to alcohol before birth.

B- Brain. Alcohol use during pregnancy can permanently damage the child’s brain.

C- Corpus Callosum. The part of the brain that passes information between the left side (rules) and the right side (impulses). May be damaged or absent with FASD.

D- DSI- Dysfunction of Sensory Integration. My child is sometimes sensitive to florescent lights, tags on clothing, visual over-stimulation, noises, smells, etc...

E- Emotional. My child can be very emotional and often has a low frustration tolerance.

F- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), the “umbrella term” for the damage done when alcohol is used during pregnancy.

G- Give my child praise when he does something well or when he tries hard.

H- Hyperactivity. My child might have a hard time sitting for long periods of time.

I- Immaturity. Because of his FASD, my child may often act half his age.

J- Judgment. My child may exhibit poor judgment. This is from the damage to the frontal lobe of his brain and because of this he needs supervision and lots of reminders.

K- Kindness and redirection is far more effective than punishment.

L- Learn. My child CAN learn but he learns differently.

M- Mental retardation. FASD is the #1 cause of mental retardation in North America but most people with FASD have IQs within the normal range.

N- Networking. Here is a web site to help you understand my child.
FASlink - http://www.faslink.org/

O- Other drugs. “Of all the substances of abuse, including heroin, cocaine, and marijuana, alcohol produces by far the most serious neurobehavioral effects in the fetus, resulting in life-long permanent disorders of memory function, impulse control and judgment.” (Institute of Medicine 1996 Report to Congress)

P- Parenting. My child’s behaviors may appear, to those who do not understand FASD, to be the result of poor parenting. Please be slow to blame and quick to consult me.

Q- Quiet time to regroup. My child has problems with self-regulation and may need a quiet time and space to calm down. Providing this will reduce unwanted behaviors.

R- Repetition. Memory issues are very frustrating for my child, repeat and reteach often.

S- Sleep disorders. My child often has trouble sleeping, please understand if he is tired.

T- Time. Time is an abstract concept and my child does not “feel” it like you and I do.

U- Understanding. Understanding that my child has a disability rather than trying to change something he cannot control will make both his life and yours a lot easier!

V- Visual. Many people with FASD learn best with visual and hands-on type lessons.

W- Willful. Behaviors may appear willful…remind yourself often of the brain damage!

X- X-ample. My child needs examples of good behavior and appropriate role models.

Y- You will make a difference in my child’s life. It is my prayer that it is a positive one.

Z- Zero alcohol during pregnancy. Please help me spread the word that FASD is 100% preventable!

Adapted from original by Kari Fletcher, MOFAS 2006. Permission to reprint is given provided author is credited.