A brief overview of F.A.S.D. for prospective adoptive parents.

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