Thinking differently

A shift in thinking is needed when working alongside those diagnosed with FASD. Because of their brain-based differences, many typical behaviour management strategies won’t have a positive effect. Tamariki and rangatahi with FASD find it very difficult to learn from consequences, so sending them to their room or taking away a privilege will not have an impact on the child’s behaviour – in fact it is likely to compound the problem by adding to trauma and reinforcing negative self-image for them.

This is a brain-based, invisible, physical disability and is NOT intentional behaviour. The shift is from seeing a child as one who won’t do something to one who can’t - yet.

Memory in those with FASD is almost always severely impacted, so what they learn one day can be completely forgotten the next. Executive function is affected, so the brain function required to do simple things like getting up and getting ready for school can require much more focus and energy than a neurotypical child. This extra effort is utterly exhausting, which is good to take into account.