NDIA Accountability Project

This project is in DRAFT

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Disability Snapshot

‹ PrevPage 1 of 12 · Source p. 119Next ›

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Disability Snapshot SGP KP Publishing Exported on 2026-06-17 23:43:48

SGP KP Publishing - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Disability Snapshot

Table of Contents

FOI 25/26-3216

SGP KP Publishing - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Disability Snapshot

General Information About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

This Disability Snapshot provides general information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). It assists with effective communication and supports participants as they develop their goals. Each person is unique; each one may require different support based on personal experiences or challenges related to FASD:

  • Needs: What does this participant need?
  • Preferences: How can we best meet these needs?
  • Experiences: What has been your experience working closely alongside them in developing a plan for success, including any successes achieved so far?

FOI 25/26-3216

SGP KP Publishing - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Disability Snapshot

Section heading not provided but likely “Peak Body Consulted” based context.

In developing this resource we consulted with:

  • Developmental Disability WA
  • Dr Amanda Wilkins, Developmental Paediatrician experienced diagnosing FASD and established FASD CARE INC.
  • Dr Robyn Williams, Nyoongar woman completing PH.D South West Region, W.A.,
  • National Organization for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome NOFASD Australia.*

FOI 25/26-3216

SGP KP Publishing - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Disability Snapshot

What Is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) describes impacts on brain and body from alcohol exposure during pregnancy; it’s lifelong disability where each person experiences unique strengths & challenges. To reach their potential they need support in:

  • motor skills,
  • physical health,
  • learning,
  • memory,
  • attention,
  • communication,
  • emotional regulation,
  • social skills. some children might show shorter height, low weight or small head size while appearing hyperactive due to poor coordination; it’s typical that those can communicate well yet struggle with understanding, processing info.

#How Is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Diagnosed?

FASD (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) or its spectrum disorder can usually be identified through an assessment conducted jointly between specialists such as pediatricians, social workers, speech therapists, occupational therapists etc., depending on their expertise. The following are some factors that might help identify whether someone has this syndrome:

  • The person’s history including medical records from pregnancy onwards;
  • Any unusual physical features like head shape or facial structure at birth which could indicate possible exposure during fetal development due to alcohol consumption;
  • Whether there were any known genetic syndromes present before diagnosis;
  • The growth pattern over time for a child with suspected symptoms.

Language and terminology

You should use strengths based language when talking about a person with FASD.

Instead Of Please Use
Suffering With… Person/Individual Living With…
Afflicted Or Affected By Impacted By
Fasd Is Caused By Maternal Alcohol Use Fasd Is Caused When A Developing Baby Is Exposed To Alcohol
Alcoholic/Addict Women Who Use Alcohol or Drugs

FOI 25/26-3216

SGP KP Publishing - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Disability Snapshot

Enabling Social And Economic Participation

Therapy and Support Services can be beneficial to enable social and economic participation for people with FASD. Supports will vary depending on age and circumstances of participant; Children <7 years old supported via Early Childhood Early Intervention approach (details available at Children’s Strategy). Some young children may present global developmental delay before formal diagnosis is made; Common therapy supports include speech & occupational therapies, counsellors experienced in working w/FASD also provide assistance:

  • Developing/improving communication/comprehension/literacy skills
  • Learning social skills to develop/maintain friendships/school/community protection against isolation
  • Improving memory/process information ability
  • Building capacity planning/time, money problem-solving concepts
  • Participating programs supporting self-regulation/emotional regulation calming responses such as Zones Regulation program
  • Sensory processing skill development
  • Daily living skills dressing/shoelaces/writing support
  • Education math other subjects instruction support Developing social educational emotional maturity.

#6 Families and Carers Families provide different levels of support to individuals affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). These families assist participants daily living tasks while encouraging them find employment opportunities within communities where independence might develop. While these familial relationships often foster supportive environments that benefit both family members involved directly as well indirectly through shared responsibilities; however such arrangements could also strain resources available for other household needs including financial stability or personal healthcare requirements especially when aging factors come into play. It is crucially important therefore consider sustainability level informal assistance provided alongside its potential repercussions on overall wellbeing amongst all parties concerned.

#7: How Can You Tailor A Meeting To Suit A Participant With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

Every person with FASD is unique and has their own individual personality strengths areas where they need support It important remember that each person have different needs. You can tailor meet to suit partici by:

  • giving time think about answer respond - people may take longer others
  • asking questions make sure understand don’t assume response means understood
  • communicating short sentences use Plain Englis
  • keeping number peo min as participat may overwhelmed many people
  • having shorter meetings follow ups necessary get relevant info across
  • reducing distractions such visual background noise artificial lighting if possible
  • give information what discussed at meeting ahead prepare suppor pers
  • communicate engage directly partic not just family member carer another attendin mee ing wit them
  • speak respectfully in age appropriate way
  • visu informatio helpful explain some concepts messages pictures objects like clock calendar
  • using Easy English written informa help discussion
  • write discuss points simple dot point format include any decisions made this will be a helpful memory aid for participant wth FASD.

#What people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder want you to remember

  • Children with FASD may engage in behaviours that look like lying and can make poor decisions. This can mean young people with FASD are more likely to be involved in the justice system.The desire to pleaseand difficulty rememberingcan have asignificant impactin these situations.- An individualwithFASDMay experience difficulties wit impulse control, understanding consequencesof actionsandrisk.This results from impairmentsinememoryanda poor connectionbetween emotionalandalogical thought.- Engaging insocial interactions can bedifficult forpeoplew ithFA SD,and if peop le behave differentlyto their expectations,theymay respondby over-reactingor shutting down.- Sometimespe ople w i th FA S D m ay find it difficultt o focus on , an d give or maintain attentiontopersonortask.

FOI 25/26-3216

SGP KP Publishing – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Disability Snapshot