FASD – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder – Symptoms & Challenges

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) present a variety of symptoms and challenges. Let’s start with the broad definition: FASD is a learning disorder sometimes seen in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Symptoms such as behaviour and learning disabilities are not uncommon, as are physical health struggles. Often, someone who suffers from FASD has a mix of these problems. If you’re reading this and have a child with FASD, know that we’re not here to judge or to lecture. Our goal is to help you and your child with the best treatment possible. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty with solving problems flexibly

• Difficulty with verbal learning / memory

• Delayed motor skills or poor motor coordination

• Difficulty with social skills & building relationships

• Difficulty with sensory skills / sensory processing

If your son or daughter has experienced some or all of these symptoms, the good news is that effective treatment is available.

Effective Treatment for Learning Difficulties Due to FASD

Mind Over Learning understands the full range of mild to severe cognitive, behavioral, and emotional disabilities associated with FASD. Each student’s individualized teaching plan is designed in accordance with their specific learning challenges to accomplish the specific goals suitable for your child.

Nowadays there is strong evidence available showing that the five keys to working successfully with children prenatally exposed to alcohol are:

• Structure
• Variety
• Consistency
• Brevity
• Persistence

Contact us today to find out more about how Mind Over Learning can help with FASD in Kelowna and around the Okanagan.

Importance & Implications Of Diagnosing FASD Early

Early diagnosis of FASD is crucial for applying appropriate interventions to alleviate and manage psychological and physiological symptoms. Once a diagnosis is determined, it will allow for caregivers, parents, and professionals to properly implement interventions related to health and educational outcomes.

As a parent, a diagnosis can help you better understand the delays in your child’s development, and the difficulties that they face with learning and their behaviour. In doing so, you can further connect with your child by understanding their strengths and limitations, and can find the most effective ways of helping them through their challenges.

Talk with our specialists today, and we will start a detailed plan to help with your child’s unique challenges.