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What Teachers Need to Know about FASD
It is important to reinforce a strong no alcohol message for all students. You may want to review previous lessons about alcohol use and its negative social, legal, financial, health and safety consequences.
Major points to remember are:
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe a broad range of effects associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. The spectrum can include physical effects as well as effects on the brain that may result in problems with learning, emotions and behavior.
- When a pregnant woman drinks, so does her baby.
- The baby's growth can be altered and slowed.
- The baby may suffer lifelong damage.
Pregnant women who drink do not intentionally harm their unborn babies. In most cases, they simply do not know about FASD or fully understand the risks. They may have been given incorrect information about alcohol and pregnancy from family, friends or health care providers. In some cases, women have a serious problem with alcohol and they need professional help to stop drinking. Others do not even realize they are pregnant when the drinking occurs.
How much is too much?
FASD does not just occur in children of mothers who abuse alcohol or are heavy drinkers. The latest research shows that as little as two drinks in early pregnancy or four drinks all at once (a binge episode) can kill developing brain cells.
Many people believe an "occasional" drink during pregnancy is safe. However, the alcohol content in a 12 oz. beer equals that in a 5 oz. glass of wine or a 1.5 oz shot of liquor. An "occasional" drink such as a Long Island Ice Tea actually contains the alcohol equivalency of four to five drinks. For that reason, no amount of alcohol is considered safe for a pregnant woman.
Fathers, friends and family members all have important roles to play in promoting an alcohol-free pregnancy. They can:
- Encourage and support the woman's decision to avoid alcohol
- Avoid situations where alcohol is present
- Make sure non-alcoholic options are available
- Stop drinking as well
- Go to medical check-ups to find out more about FASD.
The signs and symptoms of FASD
A baby with FASD may be born with a small head and identifiable facial features. He or she may have abnormalities or deformities of the limbs, hands or feet. Heart, liver and kidney problems are common, as well as vision and hearing problems. Children with FASD may experience slow growth and coordination. They may have difficulty staying focused, recognizing and understanding patterns, predicting "common sense" outcomes or mastering math and reading. Children do not "outgrow" FASD and its serious consequences. They become adolescents and adults who may have difficulties with learning, attention, memory and problem solving.
Caution:
FASD may be a sensitive topic for some students in your class. Students may be experiencing family problems related to alcohol use. They may have a friend or family member who has been affected by FASD. It is important to demonstrate sensitivity to children and families who face the daily challenges of FASD and avoid negative or blaming language when discussing parental behavior.
Students should be assured that they have the right to pass during any discussion or activity that involves personal opinions, feelings or experiences. However, if students begin to disclose information about personal or family problems during class, teachers should tell those students they will discuss the situation privately. Then, they should immediately establish a time for this discussion and be sure to follow district policy and state laws regarding reporting the disclosure to appropriate authorities.
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