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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Resources: http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/fas.html#