The purpose of this factsheet
This factsheet will assist secondary school teaching and support staff to better understand substance use in adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The term ‘substance use’ refers to the use of both alcohol and other drugs, such as nicotine and cannabis. This factsheet aims to provide practical advice and strategies to assist educators in supporting young people and communicating effectively with them about their substance use and the associated risks. It’s important to be aware that every individual with FASD is different, each will have their own strengths and challenges. These strategies may not be effective every time or may require ongoing reinforcement.
Additionally, it’s important to note FASD is so prevalent, many educators may not realise they are interacting daily with students who have undiagnosed FASD or FASD that has been misdiagnosed as another neurodevelopmental disorder. The information in this factsheet will be useful to understand substance use in many students, even if a young person does not have a formal FASD diagnosis. As the pathway to a FASD diagnosis can be lengthy, it’s important that support strategies are implemented as soon as possible.
Finally, it’s important to note that each school will have a unique policy and approach to responding to and reporting substance use. Teaching and support staff should be aware of the relevant procedures that apply to their school in managing substance-related incidents and risks.
~ https://learningwithfasd.org.au/resources/fact-sheets/substance-use-in-adolescents-with-fasd/