Following in this page is tips and advises for caregivers/parents of children with FASD.
1 Every child affected with FASD is different and has her own unique strengths and challenges. Therefore, not all of the strategies mentioned in this website will work with your child. The best approach is to keep trying different strategies until you find the ones that work for you and your child. Once you find the best fit, stick to it. Remember that the strategies listed are not set in stone and can be modified to suit your child’s individual needs.
2 Children and youth with FASD need to know and feel that it’s okay to talk about their disability.
If you keep it a secret the child may grow up to be ashamed and not want to let others know what her needs are. Keep the communication open and encourage your child to be open with others.
3 Alcohol exposure in utero can affect every system in the body, so it is important to keep a watchful eye for any sign of health problems.
4 While all children with FASD have their own unique challenges and strengths in terms of behavior and health related issues, there are a few key strategies that we know work for all children. You will notice that some concepts such as routines are repeated over and over in this website
5 You know your child best and therefore are your child’s best advocate. Talk with your child’s teachers and other professionals; find out if they are FASD-friendly. If you think the professionals are not helping your child, do not be afraid to get a second opinion. Try your best to develop a relationship with the professionals in your child’s care.
6 Play is an important function for all children, especially those with FASD. Encourage playfulness in your child and include play into your child’s day. Children with supported and encouraged by caregivers.
7 Strategies included in this website may apply to any chronological age. Remember that although a child may have a chronological age of 14, developmentally, she may be close to an 8 year old. This might mean that your teenage child with FASD still enjoys playing with toys, and it may mean that leisure activities need to be altered to take developmental level into account.
“you know your child best and are your child’s best advocate”
Here is some knowledge!
Changing our way of thinking
Some people become offended when it is suggested that their child cannot do something and will likely never learn to do it. They see this as giving up on their child.
There is a distinction between giving up on your child versus giving up on trying making her do things that she CANNOT do.
Your child benefits most by learning coping or adaptation skills that accommodate her disability. A good comparison would be like teaching a blind person how to use Braille instead of constantly wasting energy and creating frustration by trying to teach them to read “normally.”