The Best Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Resources

There are many adoptive parents that are dealing with FASD and there are many of us floundering because there are no special services for children with FASD. There are services for children with Autism, for children with Down Syndrome, for children who have Cerebral Palsy, and all other developmental delays but FASD is an invisible disability (and a shunned one at that) and for the most part it goes unnoticed.

So, how are we supposed to raise children with FASD? Very creatively it seems.

Here are some fabulous resources to help you get started.

About.com: Parenting Special Needs: Terri Mauro parents a special needs son from Russia and has logical (and been there, done that) advice about FAS in many of her posts about behavior issues, school, and home life.

Who Has to Change? Helps the parent understand that the parent has to be the one to change their ways…not the child. Sure, in normal situations a child CAN and WILL adapt to parenting but kids with FASD simply can’t.

Common Classroom Symptoms of FAS: What your child might look like in the classroom.

Strategies of Daily Living: Concrete and easy to follow strategies for daily living. Simple…needs more detail but good for the surface. Try this one for more detail.

Teaching a Student with FAS: Awesome compilation for parents and teachers. Use this when preparing an IEP or to help explain your child to a teacher.

Imagine the Possibilities: The difference between ADHD and FAS. Right on the spot.

Organicity: How FAS affects the function of everyday life.

Facts about FAS: The FACTS everyone should know.

Science Daily: Because they actually report FAS news?