Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Special Education – Part 2 Dena Berzen July 2016

What is it. Effects babies who are exposed to alcohol prenatally What is it? Effects babies who are exposed to alcohol prenatally. What does it cause? FAS can effect physical, mental, behavioural, and learning disabilities in individuals effected. Overview

Signs and Symptoms Low birth weight Developmental delay Epilepsy Poor coordination/fine motor skills Poor socialization skills Learning difficulties Poor memory Poor language comprehension Behavioural problems Organ dysfunction Facial abnormalities Anxiety impulsiveness Signs and Symptoms

Many children with FAS display developmental delays as well as health problems which intensify into adulthood. Some may score well on intelligence tests but their inability to behave interfere with their abilities. It can also effect their ability to learn and remember, follow directions, controlling emotions, socialization, and some daily life skills such as feeding and bathing. Long-Term Effecrs

Brain and Central Nervous System Problems Poor balance Learning disabilities Delayed development Poor memory Difficulty with problem solving Hyperactivity/poor attention and processing skills Poor judgment Mood swings Brain and Central Nervous System Problems

Social and Behavioural Issues Poor social skills Trouble with change Lack of impulse control Lack of concentration Trouble in school Trouble staying on task/completing tasks Social and Behavioural Issues

Online Resources Mayo Clinic – www.mayoclinic.org Medline Plus – www.medlineplus.gov National Organization of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – www.nofas.org Online Resources

Role of Community Agencies Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - provides information on the disorder - provides printable fact sheets - provides information on how to get help and evaluations Role of Community Agencies

Strategies in Education Ensure you have the individuals attention Clear, concise, and step-by-step instructions Model expectations Present information in clusters to help with memory retention Check comprehension of instructions before beginning tasks More body/kinesthetic activities work with FAS individuals Provide clues to assist with memory of facts Seat the student near the front with less distractions Use step-by-step guides to assist with problem solving Provide information in short segments Repeat information multiple times to assist with retention Strategies in Education

Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have a very short attention span and have trouble staying on task. Providing them with visual cues, manipulatives, and smartboard activities allows them to be more hands on when working through tasks. Keeping them busy provides less distraction, which will assist with their recall ability, emotional instability, and problem solving ability. How to Educate Better

Resources: http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fas.html# http://www.nofas.org/ https://medlineplus.gov/fetalalcoholspectrumdisorders.html http://www.nofas.org/resource-directory/ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/basics/symptoms/con-20021015 http://www.psychiatry.emory.edu/PROGRAMS/GADrug/Edfas.htm