FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS florida resource guide

Effects and Interventions with Adolescents ages 13-18Older school age and adolescent children with FASD may displaymemory impairments, difficulty with judgment, difficulty withabstract reasoning, or poor adaptive functioning. These children maygive an appearance of capability without actual abilities, have difficultyseparating fact from fiction, display low motivation or low self-esteem.Teenagers with FASD may display problem behaviors such as lying orstealing. They may display poor judgment and have difficulty withpeer relationships. Alcohol and drug abuse may occur and there is agreater risk for depression and suicide.Some intervention strategies for this age group:▪ Create a structured environment which includes limited choices.▪ Establish clear and set routines.▪ Provide supervision.▪ Use simple directions when giving instructions.▪ Break tasks into small steps.▪ Use lists.▪ Teach a new skill in the setting in which it will be used.Effects and Interventions with Young AdultsYoung adults with FASD may continue to have learning difficulties,memory impairments, difficulty with judgment, difficulty withreasoning, or inappropriate social skills.Some young adults with FASD continue to need supervision andsupport. Help may be needed to perform household tasks.Independent living may not be possible and special livingarrangements may be needed.Intervention strategies for young adults:▪ Teach the tasks of daily living.▪ Maintain routines which do not vary from day to day.▪ Use lists.▪ Supervise money management.▪ Provide support and guidance.▪ Teach coping skills for stress management.SECTION 5Effects of PrenatalAlcohol Exposure andIntervention StrategiesThe Children’sResearch Trianglehas developed“Cause andConsequence,” aninteractive CD-ROM guideeducators andparents can use on adaily basis as theydeal with the longtermimpact ofprenatal drugexposure on thechild’s behavior andlearning. For moreinformation go tohttp://www.childstudy.org/crt/products/software.php.www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasask.htmFor additional information check:FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS florida resource guide 41