Through Different Eyes: Understanding FASD

This guide aims to provide clear, current, factual and evidence-based information about FASD and help build awareness of the wide range of characteristics that may be associated with FASD. The guide is designed to assist those working with children aged 0–5 years, where a child has been diagnosed with FASD or where observations of a child’s development and behaviour—combined with information from family members—suggest FASD may be present and warrant further assessment by trained professionals.

Importantly, this is an identification guide, not a diagnostic tool. Its purpose is to contribute to the process of identifying the underlying cause of developmental delays and behaviours in some children by increasing the understanding of FASD in the early childhood profession, including its effects and likely prevalence in the community.

This guide also provides best-practice strategies for parents or carers of, and people working with, children who are falling behind in reaching developmental milestones in terms of age appropriate behaviour, learning goals, physical expectations, socialisation and emotional development.

Videos

The following videos support the Through Different Eyes: Understanding children living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder educator guide:

The following video shows paediatrician Professor Elizabeth Elliott discussing some of the diagnosis pathways and characteristics of FASD and what educators need to know about FASD. Video: Expert voice-Paediatrician video on characteristics
The following video shows a range of approaches that may include problematic representations of situations you may have observed in your workplace. They are designed for you to reflect on past and present experiences for parents and families with diverse needs. Video: Acted scenario-Teachers discussing deficit diagnosis
The following video shows paediatrician Dr Heidi Webster discussing some of the diagnosis pathways and characteristics of FASD and what educators need to know about FASD. Video: Expert voice-Paediatrician video on characteristics
The following videos show how we can talk to parents. It is confronting to be faced with the possibility of a child not coping with age-appropriate activities, social interactions or behavioural expectations. A professional, caring approach will help you work with parents to determine the best approach to assist the child. Video: Acted scenario-Careful conversation approaches
This video is of an actor reading a story of lived experience from a parent who has a child with FASD. Video: Parent’s story-Actor sharing a parent’s story
This video is of an actor reading a story of lived experience from a parent who has a child with FASD. Video: Parent’s story-Actor sharing a parent’s story
This video is of an actor reading a story of lived experience from a parent who has a child with FASD. Video: Parent’s story: Actor sharing a parent’s story
The following video outlines measurable and observable goals and learning plans for children who require additional support. Video: Expert voice-Individual and support plans
This video is of an actor reading a story of lived experience from a parent who has a child with FASD. Video: Parent’s story: Actor sharing a parent’s story
The following shows a video from an expert sharing what executive functioning is and how early childhood professionals can support children with FASD to develop these skills. Video: Expert voice-Executive functioning
This video is of an expert sharing how children with FASD often need additional support with their self-regulation and how this can be supported by educators using co-regulation. Video: Expert voice Self-regulation and co-regulation

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