Welcome to our series of fact sheets on FASD. We will be adding to these regularly.
These resources contain are aimed at anyone who is interested in a slightly more in-depth look at the facts and figures on various topics, and some may be useful as a basis for advocacy in support of FASD.
Sleep can be a major issue for people with FASD. Although it has not been formally, scientifically investigated, it is widely accepted that neurodiversity brings challenges that routinely include sleep problems and these can significantly impact day to day life for the individual, caregivers and whānau alike. This fact sheet lists some of the problems and a list of suggestions for changing sleep routines for the better.
Click here to read and download this fact sheet.
It's hard to overstate the importance of education for tamariki and rangatahi with FASD. The best case scenario would be assessment and/or diagnosis of FASD and other neurodiversities at early childhood education (ECE) level and early interventions with supported teaching and transitions throughout school years, resulting in healthy life outcomes.
The reality couldn't be further from the truth in Aotearoa.
Instead we see:
• kaiako / teachers who are already stretched, with no FASD-informed training, doing the best they can without the benefit of brain-based strategies that work;
• caregivers, parents and whānau having to constantly advocate for their tamariki and rangatahi, and fight every step of the way for any scrap of funding, and
• ākonga / students with FASD being punished, bullied, further traumatised, often excluded and ending up with mental health challenges or in the justice system.
For tamariki and rangatahi with FASD, their whānau and society in general – this must change!
Click here to read and download this fact sheet.
