This document provides an overview of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and considerations for parents adopting a child with FASD. It lists numerous challenges that children with FASD may face, such as ADHD, speech/language issues, learning deficits, lack of impulse control, and difficulty managing emotions. The document also discusses factors for parents to consider, like their ability to handle frustration, commitment to lifelong parenting, and access to support systems. It concludes by offering home strategies to help children with FASD, such as maintaining routines, providing structure, getting exercise, and re-teaching skills.

1. F.A.S.D. An Overview
BRENDA MCCREIGHT PH.D. WORKSHOPS 2014

2. F.A.S.D. brain Neglect & Abuse brain

3. Challenges….
 adhd
 speech/language
 information processing
 patterning
 sequencing
 learning deficits
 short/no impulse control
 inability to relate behaviour to consequences
 no sense of connection to societal rules

4. ….and a few more….
 inconsistent knowledge base
 poor personal boundaries
 confusion under pressure
 difficulty grasping abstract concepts
 poor short term memory
 can’t generalize
inability to manage anger
poor judgment
appear to be stubborn

5. Parent factors…things to consider if you want
to adopt a child with fasd…
What is your experience with failure & frustration
How do you manage chronic frustration and disappointment?
What is your history of commitment?
 Are you prepared to be actively parenting forever? Possibly raising grandchildren?
 What do you need from a child academically? Socially?
 Do you believe in supports? Can you access supports? What about the extended family?
Grandparents?

6. And some more….
Can you give examples of experiences that were unexpectedly life changing?
How did you manage life changing experiences?
 Can you live with uncertainty? Unpredictability?
 Do you need quick success?
 Do you need your children to make you look capable as parents?
Can you be, or learn to be, life long advocates for your children?
Can you create joy in the face of stress and other negative feelings?
Can you build in fun despite lack of predictability?

7. Home based strategies…
Keep to a routine when possible
Prepare for transitions ie getting in and out of the car or bathtub, waking up, going to sleep,
settling for dinner, change in television program, leaving for school, vacations…..
 Keep complex carbohydrates and proteins around for regular snacks
 Break all tasks down to one step at a time
 Don’t do homework assigned from school unless it is a special group assignment
 Create some fun in every day
Lots of cuddling and hugging – even in the “hands off” years of adolescence

8. A few more…
Use individual sports such as swimming – lots of exercise!!
 Learn to distinguish between flexibility and chaos
Re- teach everything
 Use lots of picture prompts around the house
Get and use respite
Invest in the long term success
Get the child re-assessed every four years
 Take care of yourselves – breathing, exercise, support

9. Thank you for sharing this time with me
You can check out other services and products at these sites:
http://www.lifespanmediation.org
http://www.theadoptioncounselor.com
http://www.hazardousparenting.com
The Hazardous Parenting facebook site
Udemy.com (search under Brenda McCreight)
Slideshare.com (search under Brenda McCreight)
Amazon.com (search under Brenda McCreight)
brendamccreight@gmail.com
Brenda provides counselling and parent coaching worldwide via skype, telephone, and email –
please contact her by email if you would like to book an appointment