Occupational Therapists

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability and it's estimated that between 3-5% of babies born in Aotearoa annually will have FASD.

Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential.

Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.

Occupational Therapy can and should play a positive role in supporting those with FASD, but many health professionals in Aotearoa/New Zealand feel under-informed on how to effectively work with them.

In those affected by FASD, with problems with motor skills, sensory challenges and functional impairments occur across all ages. Occupational Therapy intervention for those with FASD would optimise independent engagement across all life stages.

Resources

Oranga Tamariki Practice Centre: Supporting Tamariki and Rangtahi with FASD

Te Whatu Ora: FASD guidelines for health professionals

Inclusive Education: TKI Guide to FASD and Learning

• Fact sheet from NOFASD Australia on the role of OTs in FASD - click here

• A webinar recording from NOFASD Australia for OTs about FASD (1 hour 20mins) – click here

• This 13-minute American video presented by Marianne Gernetzke, a certified OT, gives an overview on how occupational therapy can help people with FASD. Click here to view.

• The ALERT Program®

The Alert Program® was developed by Mary Sue Williams and Sherry Shellenberger, American occupational therapists. The Alert Program® teaches children that their body is like a car engine and asks them to identify if their engine is running too high (i.e. hyperactive, unfocused), too low (ie. tired, listless, bored), or 'just right'.  Children are taught their own unique set of sensory strategies to help them to maintain themselves in the 'just right' range to attend and learn.  The Program also develops the concept of 'heavy work' which can be used in all situations to get learners into the 'just right' range for learning.

For a good, basic explanation of the philosophy and science behind the program and why it works you can read this article: Alert Program Overview.

More info on the website here: ALERT Program®

Video: What is the Alert Program®?

• Guide for OTs in education settings (US)

This downloadable pdf is a guide for OTs for learning environments. It offers a wide range of practical approaches from sensory-friendly setups to dynamic seating arrangements. Whether you aim to improve attention and focus, or promote fine motor skills development, this guide will give you tools to create inclusive classrooms where every learner can thrive.

Click here to read and download.