School demands (behaviour and academics) can be overwhelming for a child with FASD. In my opinion behaviour should take precedence over academics. It is possible that the sights, sounds and human dynamics within the school may be too stimulating for the child. Expect rules to be have to be taught , retaught and retaught some more. It will probably be beneficial for the child to sit near the teacher and he will probably take a […]
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ANXIETY DISORDER IS A STRONG PREDICTOR OF DEPRESSION “Depression” is mourning the “past” or “present”. “Anxiety” is fearing the “”future”. “Anxiety” is a normal and useful reaction and warns us to be careful: – wear a seatbelt – use a bike helmut – designated driver – hold a child’s hand when crossing a street Worries and fears that interfere with “normal” life and routines are anxiety disorders […]
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3 steps to managing children with FASD a) Recognize that FASD is a medical condition – FASD is not a bad attitude – it must be treated as a medical condition – society has denied this reality of FASD and blames the indivivual – “just sit down and behave” is unrealistic – punishing a child with FASD for brain damage is useless – society (homes, schools, treatment centres, hospitals, jail) seldom provide adequate […]
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Often times individuals with FASD do not display the physical features associated with FASD. Their appearance does not give any hint of the neurological problems that are hidden. Individuals with invisible handicaps are: easy to forget about their limitations easy to not provide compassion, understanding and forgiveness Children and adults with FASD need incredible amounts of: consistency reinforcement creativity time compassion understanding perseverance forgiveness repetition The more dysfunctional – the more of EVERYTHING
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It is easy for us to to fail to recognize and respect the struggle and courage it takes for someone with FASD to make it through the day! We must remember: that irreversible brain damage occurred before birth FASD individuals will not “will power” their way out of it caregivers cannot “love” their way out of it children with FASD are difficult to rear and teach BUT IT IS NOT IMPOSSIBLE
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