The purpose of this factsheet
This factsheet will assist secondary school teaching and support staff to better understand the mental health needs of young people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). It provides practical advice and strategies to help educators support the mental wellbeing of these young people. It’s important to note that every individual with FASD has person specific needs as FASD involves a spectrum of disorders depending on the level and frequency of alcohol exposure. Each young person will have their own strengths and challenges, and it is vital that educators seek to support young people with empathy by building from these strengths. These strategies may not be effective every time and may need constant repetition and reinforcement. It’s also important to note that FASD is so prevalent many educators may not realise they are interacting daily with students who have undiagnosed or misdiagnosed FASD. As the pathway to a FASD diagnosis can be lengthy, it’s important that support strategies are implemented as soon as possible. The information in this factsheet will be useful for all students experiencing mental health challenges, regardless of whether or not they also have a formal diagnosis of FASD.
It’s important to note that each school will have a unique context and needs and therefore a unique policy and approach to responding to and reporting mental health concerns. Teaching and support staff should be aware of the relevant procedures that apply in their school to promote and manage students’ wellbeing.
~ https://learningwithfasd.org.au/resources/fact-sheets/mental-health-in-adolescence/
