Professional Learning

This module focuses on practical strategies that can be implemented to support students with FASD in the classroom and broader school environment. It covers key principles and approaches, as well as specific teaching and learning strategies and adjustments to the physical environment that can help improve engagement.

As outlined in the first module, FASD is often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as other neurodevelopmental disorders. This means that many educators may not be aware they are interacting daily with students living with FASD. As the pathway to diagnosis can be lengthy, it is recommended that support strategies should be implemented as soon as FASD is suspected or imputed. While the strategies outlined in this module focus on supporting students with FASD, they build upon universal principles of inclusive learning and will benefit all students, not only those with FASD.

It is also important to recognise that each person with FASD is different, often in significant ways, and will have a unique profile of strengths and challenges. Keep in mind:

• Strategies that work for one student may not work for another.
• Due to ongoing memory issues strategies often require constant repetition and reinforcement.
• Day-to-day variability is common, and the same strategies may not be effective every time (even if they were useful the day or week prior).
• Maintaining flexibility and patience is essential in supporting a young person’s learning and development.

The resources in this module include:

• Eight magic keys
• Dysmaturity
• Teaching and learning strategies
• Creating a successful learning environment