FASD Toolbox for Teachers

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), sometimes referred to as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), Alcohol-Related Neurological Disorders (ARND), or Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBDs), describes a pattern of mental and physical problems that may occur in some children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. While it is not known at what point alcohol damage begins, studies have reported neurobehavioral deficits and intrauterine growth retardation in infants born to mothers who reported themselves to be only moderate alcohol consumers during pregnancy (NIAAA US Dept of Health & Human Services, Alcohol Alert No.13, July 1991), and it may be that damage can occur even in the first week or two after conception. Three weeks after a woman conceives, a baby's important organs are already forming (March of Dimes, Alcohol and Pregnancy: Make the Right Choice).

Providing the proper expectations, interventions, and supports can help individuals with fetal alcohol related disorders to succeed and learn the skills they need to lead productive lives. For general information on disorder definition and characteristics, visit our Disabilities/Diagnosis/FASD section.

While this material is based on techniques that have proven effective for FASD, the tips may be of value for individuals with a range of other disorders that result in behavior, social, and learning problems.

This FASD Toolbox is a compilation of advice from Dr. Claire Coles' team of experts at the Fetal Alcohol Center at the Marcus Institute and the Maternal Substance Abuse and Child Development Center at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. We are especially grateful to Molly Millians, whose dedication and knowledge has guided this material. The color images used in the examples are from the Do2learn Make-A-Schedule Program.