Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Boy pulling wagon with 4 kids inside, 4 kids making cookies, Twin boys hugging each other and triplet girl with floppy hat on smiling

Definition:

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are a group of diagnosable medical conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. Effects are lifelong and can include mental health conditions, learning disabilities, sensory issues, and physical manifestations such as heart defects, hearing and visual impairments, and more. Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders often have challenging school experiences. There are unique experiences associated with having an FASD, such as difficulties with memory, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. There are also significant impacts from stigma, misunderstanding and lack of appropriate interventions and support in the educational setting. (FASD United)

A group of 8 people standing in a line showing different ages from infant to elderly. People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) can experience lifelong issues.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are a group of diagnoses that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. 1 in 20 school children may have FASDs. Per https://www.cdc.gov/fasd/data/index.html

FASD Prevalence and Facts: The Infographics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that at least 1 in 20 U.S. school children may be affected by a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). For more information from the CDC.

Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) (PDF)

Professional Development

FASD Professional Development Page

Understanding the Brain Learning Series
8 Magic Keys - Video
Education and FASD Toolkit
Challenging Behavior and Executive Function Modules
Level 2 Brain Injury Training Modules

Resources

Are you supporting a student online?

Online Learning for
Students with BI/FASD

FASD United is a great national resource for all things FASD. They have a great Toolbox with ideas for sharing awareness for September FASDUnited.org

Illuminate Colorado is a great local resource for FASD. They also have a Toolbox with ideas for education and awareness. Illuminate Colorado FASD

Another great resource for educators is the CDC FASD website. Please be sure to look for educator resources. CDC FASD EDUCATOR RESOURCES

FASD Resources Page

Parent Resources
Educator Resources
Organizations

For more information, please contact:

Jody Dickerson
Brain Injury Specialist
Email Jody Dickerson
(720) 795-2273

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