The difficulties experienced by students with FASD are due to neurodevelopmental impairments, rather than deliberate misbehaviour. For these students, the focus should be on ‘brain’ not ‘behaviour’.

FASD can cause a child to struggle with change. It’s important to maintain consistent and predictable routines in the school environment so the child knows what to expect.

When teaching a child with FASD, it’s important to engage and stimulate the child by accommodating their learning style using a strengths-based approach. For example, some students may learn most effectively through auditory stimuli like music and dance.

Some children with FASD need to be able to move, fidget, chew gum, or play with a toy to calm themselves and be able to listen and learn.

Children with FASD require a breakaway space where they can go when feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, or need time to calm down.

Effective communication and collaboration between schools and families can have a beneficial effect on a child’s success at school and beyond.