What can teachers expect from an FASD student?

• FASD is a lifelong brain injury but is often invisible – individuals can present as neurotypical, which can be misleading and problematic.
• Individuals with FASD can have trouble thinking of multiple things at the same time, meaning that decision making is difficult. Taking time to go over choices one at a time, and to outline possible outcomes, helps tremendously.
• Tamariki with FASD can also come across as inflexible. This is because they find it difficult to change their thinking quickly. Preparation for change is important as they often think in very 'black and white' terms. This is often called 'concrete thinking'.
• Self-management is often difficult for individuals with FASD. Timetables and visual cues with lots of repetition can be helpful as can can be helpful, as can gentle reminders offered without judgement.
• Like all of us, those with FASD have many interests and strengths - tapping into these can produce amazing results. It is often the case that people with FASD possess hidden talents or strengths which compensate for the difficulties they have in day-to-day living.
• A person with FASD will need support throughout each stage of their lives to achieve and live their best possible life.