Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder By:Nicoleta Kourouniotis Collaboration and Consultation

Definitions Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD- occurs in an individual whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE)- caused by mother drinking during pregnancy Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)-linked to mental retardation and results from the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy

Facts All alcohol beverages are harmful, binge drinking especially and there is no proven amount of alcohol use that is safe during pregnancy. FASD is 100% preventable

2 Populations Mild Intellectual Disability- associated with environmental factors such as lower socioeconomic status and neglected or abusive parenting. Intellectual Disability- typically linked to biological origin.

Characteristics

Neurological Damage Attention deficits Memory deficits Hyperactivity Difficulty with abstract concepts Inability to manage money Poor problem solving skills Difficulty learning from consequences Immature social behavior Inappropriately friendly to strangers Lack of control over emotions Poor impulse control Poor judgment

Statistics 30-35% of women drink alcohol on a regular basis during pregnancy. In the United States there is an estimated range between 0.5 and 2 per 1000 children being born with FASD. Africa has been identified as having the world’s largest rate of FAS.

Recommendations by Parents and Professionals 1. Conducting small group learning activities instead of large group activities 2. Breaking large tasks into smaller tasks 3. Providing fluctuations in the individuals learning pace 4.Using visual aids to assist the individual 5.Repeating Information 6.Providing simple instruction

Recommendations by Parents and Professionals Cont. 7.Emphasizing communication skills within the classroom 8.Correcting the child’s misbehavior clearly and immediately 9.Allowing the student opportunity to get up and move around the classroom