Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term for children affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol. It describes a spectrum, and is often referred to as an ‘invisible disability’. FASD has is estimated to affect 3 to 5% of learners in Scotland. In spite of this, FASD is the most overlooked neurodevelopmental condition in Scotland. Only a small proportion of people with FASD have received diagnosis and effective support based on an understanding of their individual brain profile.

Lack of awareness has meant that many children with FASD are often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. It is important that educational practitioners have a basic understanding of FASD, what to look out for, and know how they can support learners who are affected by it. 

Children and young people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) may show developmental differences in:

• motor skills
• cognition
• language
• academic achievement
• memory
• attention
• executive functioning
• impulse control
• hyperactivity
• emotional regulation
• social skills

Children affected by FASD can have a wide range of wellbeing needs. However, with the right support, people living with FASD can achieve positive outcomes in life. Whole school relationship based nurturing approaches will help children with FASD in education.

Resources for Educators

The Scottish Government has launched a free FASD eLearning resource on the NHS Education for Scotland (NES) website. You will need to register with Turas (NHS education for Scotland)to access the resource.

The NES resource describes diagnostic pathways for children whom practitioners have concerns about and links with the Getting It Right For Every Child National Practice Model for multi-disciplinary assessment and planning to address wellbeing needs (estimated 1 hour 40 minute completion time).

The NHS for Ayrshire and Arran have created a guide to understanding FASD for Educators

FASD Hub Scotland provides Factsheets for educational practitioners. These include 'Strengths of Students with FASD' and 'Flexible FASD Support Strategies for Education Staff'.

Resources for parents and carers

The NHS for Ayrshire and Arran have also created information for parents and carers. This provides strategies that may also be useful for practitioners.

FASD Hub Scotland has created factsheets, podcasts, a service directory and a helpline for parents and carers.

Sign UK has created Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Guidance for parents, carers, and families.

Improvement questions

These reflective questions invite you to consider:

• how effectively do I look beyond a child’s behaviour to their needs and provide appropriate support?
• how does our setting recognise and plan for learners with FASD?
• How do we engage with and support parents and carers of children with FASD?

References

1. Pupil Census: supplementary statistics Apr 2021 Table 1.8 (gov.scot)
2. Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (alliance-scotland.org.uk)