Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Factsheet (for Schools)

What Educators Should Know

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects and problems with the baby’s growth and development. Babies exposed to alcohol in the womb can develop fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

By understanding their challenges and supporting their needs, educators can help students with FAS do their best in school.

Challenges for Students with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Students with FAS can have:

• problems with memory, comprehension, and attention span
• neurologic problems, including poor balance/coordination and seizures
• hyperactivity, impulsivity, and other behavior problems
• trouble getting along with other students and be at risk of being bullied
• problems with vision and hearing

What Educators Can Do

Talk to your student and their parents about special instructions, such as whether the student: 

• needs to sit up front in the classroom due to hearing and vision problems
• needs to take medicines during the day
• will need to miss class time and assignments due to medical visits
• needs an individualized education program (IEP) or 504 education plan
• needs speech therapy, occupational therapy, or physical therapy, if available at the school

Students with fetal alcohol syndrome do best in a structured environment with a consistent daily routine. You can help your students by:

• presenting information in clear, brief, and simple segments
• reducing distractions in the classroom
• using visual materials
• announcing schedule changes and transitions well in advance
• using small-group settings when possible

Other reminders: 

• Finding the best strategy for students with FAS may take time. Assessing their unique strengths, praising them for their efforts, and providing a supportive environment can go a long way toward helping them do their best in school.
• Encourage a welcoming classroom that teaches kids to treat others with respect and kindness. 
• Help build your student’s confidence by recognizing and appreciating their strengths — in math, sports, drama, art, or whatever else they enjoy. 
• Provide support. If you think your student is feeling upset, talk to them and their family about counseling options in school or in the community. Some school districts don’t require parents’ permission for a student to see a counselor at school while others do. Check your local school district’s policies.