Globally, it’s estimated that between 2% and 4% of the general population have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which means it is highly likely there are children with FASD in many Australian schools.

People with FASD experience challenges with physical activities, language, memory, learning, and behaviour, but it is often referred to as an “invisible disability” and therefore often goes undiagnosed. It is important to note that like all of us, children with FASD have hopes and fears, and strengths and difficulties.

It is critical that teachers are FASD-informed so they can understand the unique challenges that children with FASD may face in the classroom, and support them to thrive. When families, school, and service providers all work together, children with FASD can achieve the best outcomes.

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What can Educators do?

  • Become FASD-informed: behaviours of children with FASD are often misunderstood or misinterpreted. It is important to understand that children with FASD are often unable – not necessarily unwilling – to  complete tasks or take responsibility for their actions.
  • Work in collaboration with families: Along with parents and carers, teachers play an important role describing what they see, identifying triggers that may stimulate a response, and reporting other factors that provide challenges. It is important that educators understand the strengths and difficulties of a child or young person with FASD and work in partnership with the family to help them thrive.
  • Adjust expectations: It is important for families and teachers to be able to make a shift in expectations and teaching and learning strategies in response to a child with FASD’s unique strengths and limitations.
  • Adapt strategies: Children and young people with FASD benefit from targeted learning strategies. They may require explicit instruction to acquire skills that typically developing children would learn through observation or generalisation, often related to working memory and attention issues.
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What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

Learn more about what FASD is and the challenges that people with FASD may face.

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Common difficulties and tips

Learn about the ten domains of neurodevelopment which are known to be affected by alcohol exposure in pregnancy.

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FASD Assessment and Diagnosis

Learn more about the assessment and diagnosis process for FASD in Australia and why a diagnosis is so important.

Successful
learning strategies

 

These tips may help in creating a successful learning environment:

 

  • Use visual and auditory cues
  • Use clear, simple instructions and tasks
  • Lots of repetition
  • Break tasks into small steps – recognition that a complex task will be more difficult to complete as several domains of neurodevelopmental functioning may be required
  • Hands on learning
  • Specifically designed group activities
  • Improve self-monitoring with use of devices such as mobile phone calendars and reminders
  • Use the Eight Magic Keys to underpin teaching and learning strategies: use concrete and simplified language, be consistent, use lots of repetition, keep a routine and structure to each day, provide lots of supervision
Resources for educators
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Webinars for Educators

FASD Hub Webinar: Building blocks for success – Understanding & supporting children with FASD in the school environment

FASD Hub Webinar: Setting Strong Foundations – Early intervention to help children with FASD thrive

FASD Hub Webinar: Education and FASD

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Learning with FASD Factsheets

Learn more
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Language and communication strategies to support primary aged children with FASD

This factsheet is designed to assist primary school teaching and support staff to adapt their communication, teaching, and learning strategies to meet the language and communication needs of children with FASD.

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Teaching and learning strategies to support primary aged children with FASD

This factsheet offers strategies to assist teaching and support staff to adapt teaching and learning strategies to meet the needs of children with FASD.

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How to create a supportive learning environment for primary aged children with FASD.

This factsheet looks at way education staff can create a supportive teaching environment for children with FASD.

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Through Different Eyes

Jointly developed by NOFASD Australia and Early Childhood Australia, this resource is designed to build educator knowledge, skills and understanding about FASD and how to support children with FASD in the classroom.

Supporting Students With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders - Hidden Disabilities In The Classroom

Clinical Psychologist, FASD Educator, and parent to a young adult with complex neurodiversities, Dr Vanessa Spiller has developed a self-paced online course offering practical tips and strategies for educators.

Education Department
Websites

 

 

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Visit the FASD Hub's library of resources for teachers and education staff
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Stay connected

Join our mailing list to hear more from the FASD Hub, including our monthly newsletters, webinar invitations, and new publications.

Acknowledgement of Country

FASD Hub Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and we recognise their connections to land, water and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

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