FASD

FASD- What thoughts come to mind when you hear that acronym? Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder is a relatively new term but over the last few decades much research has been done and we are the beneficiaries. Take some time to review the information here but don’t just review it. Open your mind to the possibility that perhaps your conceptions about this malady are, in truth, misconceptions! One of the books recommended for learning about FASD is “Trying Differently Rather than Harder” by Diane Malbin. It is an excellent resource. Faylene Wiebe has written the following article citing various parts of this book.

Holy, Holy, Holy! Lord God Almighty! Early in the morning our song shall rise to Thee;

Holy, Holy, Holy! Merciful and Mighty! God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy! Holy! Holy! All the saints adore Thee, Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;

Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee, Who was and is and evermore shall be.

Holy! Holy! Holy! Tho’ the darkness hide Thee, Tho’ the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not see,

Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee Perfect in Power, love, and purity.

Holy! Holy! Holy! Lord God Almighty! All Thy works shall praise thy name, in earth and sky and sea;

Holy! Holy! Holy! Merciful and Mighty! God in Three Persons, blessed Trinity! Amen

Reginald Heber, John B Dykes

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. Lamentations 3:22-23 I’ve been thinking of the mercy of God and how we need mercy one with another, especially as it applies to children/people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. I feel like Fetal Alcohol Disorders is a vast subject and that we need to gain as much knowledge as we can to try to understand what people with FASD are dealing with and the challenges they face. One book that I feel explains it very well is “Teaching Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders”. It is put out by the Florida State University for Prevention and Early Intervention Policy. A PDF is available if you Google the book title with the words, “Florida school”.

READ MORE…

Diane Malbin also has a power point presentation on the neurobehavioral model of dealing with FASD.

Dan Dubovsky has many short helpful videos about FASD on YouTube. Simply type his name into the search bar in the YouTube app and choose the topic you would like information on.
Below are some examples of stressors that may impact the person with FASD.
Take a minute or two to review the above stressors. Do you see any that are familiar to you? Instead of viewing the reactions to these stressors as simply bad behavior that must be extinguished, try to be a detective, and find out what is causing the behavior in the first place. It may be as simple as turning off the fluorescent lights or removing a tag from clothing.

Eric Osborne has been a featured speaker at various care meetings in the past. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience with dealing with children who are affected by FASD. Check out his website at tfmnotalone.org. He also has a power point presentation found here: https://youtu.be/jEpEDFTtMB4 and an eBook titled “Peace in the Midst Of…”

ADDITIONAL WEBSITES

Other websites you may find helpful are found below:

www.fasdsuccess.com
Jeff Noble is the Founder and CEO of, an organization that provides hope and education to people caring for someone living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) through online applications and in-person training sessions, demonstrations and consultations. Jeff has also written the book, “Making Sense of the Madness”.

www.fasdunited.org
FASD United was established in 1990 as the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS). Activist and author, Patricia Munter, had observed the consequences of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), then known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), in her visits to communities in New Mexico and South Dakota. Now the challenge is to push ahead further and faster, together as a determined united movement, to fulfill the promise of prevention and meet the needs of the courageous and deserving children, adults, and families living with FASD.

www.fascets.org
FASCETS has created an approach to understanding FASD from a completely different perspective, known as the Neurobehavioral Model. This model is applicable to FASD and any other brain-based conditions, including, but not limited to, autism, ADHD, acquired brain injuries, stroke, dementia, and many others. Our model helps establish the link between the brain and presenting behaviors.

ADDITIONAL BOOKS

“Are there any helpful books?”, you ask. Check out this list! Some also appear in our resources for children from hard places.

The Broken CordMichael Dorris
When Michael Dorris, 26, single and working on his doctorate, applied to adopt child, his request was speedily granted. He knew that his new three-year-old son, Adam, was badly developmentally disabled; but he believed in the power of nurture and love. READ MORE

The Connected Child and The Connected Parent, both by  Karyn Purvis with different co-authors,
Parenting under the best of circumstances is difficult, but because of their unique needs, raising children from hard places brings additional challenges. You might discover that traditional techniques that may have worked for you with your birth children are not working with your adopted or foster child. READ MORE

Damaged AngelsBonnie Buxton
An adoptive mother writes the book she wishes had been available — sympathetic, up-to-date, useful, hopeful and highly readable — when her family welcomed a little girl not knowing that she struggled with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). READ MORE

Making Sense of the MadnessJeff Noble
Jeff thought he knew all about FASD… until he started parenting a teenager with it! READ MORE

The Out-of-Sync ChildDr Carol S Kranowitz
The Out-of-Sync Child offers comprehensive, clear information for parents and professionals–and a drug-free treatment approach for children. READ MORE

Trying Differently Rather than HarderDiane Malbin
This book provides a readable, narrative discussion of the neurobehavioral approach for working effectively with children, adolescents, and adults with FASD. READ MORE

The Whole-brain Child Dan Seigal
In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children. READ MORE