FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER

Formerly Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect

FETAL ALCOHOL DEFINED PAGE 1

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder- refers to the range of neurological impairments that can affect a child who has been exposed to alcohol in the womb. A number of factors, including how much the mother drank and at what point during the pregnancy, can influence the severity of the impairments and what functions they most affect. Children with FASD can display symptoms of ADHD, autism, Asperger syndrome, Tourette's syndrome, epilepsy, mental retardation and various psychiatric disorders, but will often not respond to traditional treatments for those disabilities. FASD was formerly referred to as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects, but the new designation better indicates the range of abilities and disabilities experienced by individuals exposed to alcohol in utero

http://specialchildren.about.com/od/gettingadiagnosis/g/fetalalcohol.htm

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder- simplified- the range of disorders caused by consumption of alcohol when pregnant –also better defines the abilities and disabilities associated with individual cases than Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects.

FETAL ALCOHOL DEFINED PAGE 2

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome- is one of a spectrum of neurological impairments that can affect a child who has been exposed to alcohol in the womb. Children with FAS have distinctive facial features that identify them as having alcohol-related damage, including a small head, flat philtrum, droopy eyelids, flat nose, and a face that looks a little bit too big for the head. Children with FAS may also have low IQs, but not always. Individuals who have been exposed to alcohol prenatally and have fetal-alcohol-related behaviors but not the facial features may be described as having Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) or Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND). The term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is being used more and more to stress the fact that there are a variety of ways in which alcohol can affect a developing child and no particular set of impairments is "better" or "worse.“

http://specialchildren.about.com/od/gettingadiagnosis/g/fas.htm

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome- simplified- having neurological impairments from consumption of alcohol during pregnancy- also having distinctive facial features.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF PERSONS WITH FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM

DISORDER?

FACIAL FEATURE ABNORMALITIES

•Small head•Small eye openings•Webbing between eyes and base of nose•Drooping eyelids•Failure of eyes to move in same direction•Short, upturned nose•Flattened cheekbones•Sunken nasal bridge•Flat or absent groove between nose and upper lip (philtrum)•Smooth and thin upper lip•Opening in roof of mouth•Small upper jaw•Low set or malformed ears

http://www.moondragon.org/obgyn/graphics/fasface.jpg

BEHAVIORAL ISSUES Inability to concentrate Social withdrawal Stubbornness Impulsiveness Anxiety Problems with daily living Psychiatric problems

HOW DOES FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS AFFECT CHILDREN AND

ADOLESCENTS IN SCHOOL?

MAJOR LEARNING ISSUES IN THE CLASSROOM

Difficulty processing information presented in visual and auditory formats

Trouble comprehending what they read Difficulties with short-term memory Trouble with abstract reasoning Difficulty processing multiple directions Poor organization skills

BEHAVIORAL ISSUES Inappropriate social behaviors Inability to comprehend cause and

effect of their undesirable behaviors Difficulty with task organization Trouble following several rules Attention issues

POSSIBLE MISDIAGNOSES AND CO-OCCURING DISORDERS

Attention Deficit Disorder/Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder

Oppositional Defiant Disorder Reactive Attachment Disorder Learning Disabilities Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder Traumatic Brain injury Autism/ Asperger's Syndrome Conduct Disorder

POSSIBLE CO-OCCURING MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

Bipolar Disorder Personality Disorders Substance Use Disorders Schizophrenia Major Depression

STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING STUDENTS WITH FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS

NEW WAY TO THINK OF STUDENTS WITH FETAL ALCOHOL

SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Typical mindset Better mindset

Won’t Annoying

Resistant Inappropriate

Attention seeking

Can’t Frustrated, over

challenged Does understand Developmentally

younger Needs additional

attention

PROFESSIONAL SHIFTS FOR FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS

Stopping behaviors Behavioral

modification Personal change

Preventing behaviors

Modeling behaviors

Environmental changes

IMPORTANT TEACHING FACTORS

Classroom Environment Active Learning Strategies Establish Routines

CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT FOR ALL GRADES

Have a quiet area Design the seating arrangement that

uses tables and accommodates health issues

Limit distraction such as posters and excessive decorations

Have clear, concise rules

SUCCESSFUL INTERVENTIONS PAGE 1

The 2 C’sConcrete language- use only terms that can

be understood by students of a slightly lower grade level

Consistent teaching- try to cut down on teaching variations

SUCCESSFUL INTERVENTIONS PAGE 2

The 2 R’sRepetition- keep reviewing previous units

while moving forward with the current lessons

Routine- avoid day to day changes in schedules

SUCCESSFUL INTERVENTIONS PAGE 3

The 4 S’sSimplicity- keep lesson short and simpleSpecific- make all statements without

generalizations and abstract contentStructure- keep the same schedule and

avoid large amounts of free time Supervision- always have at least one

educator in the classroom

MAIN SOURCES Teaching Students with Fetal Alcohol

Spectrum Disorders http://www.fldoe.org/ese/pdf/fetalco.pdf

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Center for Excellence http://www.fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/