Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Research, Prevention, Resources & Support

Case Study # 9

ECE 233

SIMON & THOMASCase Study # 9

“Simon and his brother Thomas (3 year old twins) have recently been diagnosed with Fetal alcohol syndrome. The boy’s foster

parents have moved into the Toronto area from North Bay and are in the process of

adopting the twins. The confide in you (an ECE in the junior preschool room) that they

are feeling a bit overwhelmed by the diagnosis and the move to the big city. Both boys show signs of cognitive delay and have difficulty with impulse control.

The parents as your advice on services in the Toronto area.”

Needs of the FamilySpecific requirements/support for the family in Scenario #

9

The family requires Information & support regarding Fetal alcohol syndrome.

The family will require some information about the city of Toronto and surrounding areas.

The whole family would will benefit from the opportunity to acquaint themselves with families going through similar circumstances. Therefore, they will require support groups/ family assistance centres in their area and would need to be referred to them.

The whole family also needs to know that they can trust the childcare centre and staff.

Facts & Statistics Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Canada/Aboard

http://www.fasarizona.com/CitizenNov2001.htm

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was first diagnosed in 1973

• “In 1999, Fetal Alcohol Awareness day was created in the United States and observed around the world with a moment of silence at 9:09am.”

• The awareness colour of FAS is blue.

• In the United states alone, up to 40,000 infants are born with FAS each year. In Canada, 20 out of every 10,000 infants are born with FAS.

• FAS is 100% PREVENTABLE!

Signs & Symptoms of FASPhysical, social/emotional & cognitive indicators

Kidshealth.org

Low Birth Weight

Unusually small head circumference

Organ dysfunction

Poor coordination/fine motor skills – Developmental delay

Lack of imagination or curiosity

Learning difficulties, including poor memory, inability to understand concepts such as time and money, poor language comprehension, poor problem-solving skills

facial abnormalities

epilepsy

What FAS looks like…Multi-media

http://www.brocku.ca/vrbaby/parenting/faces/3.php

This diagram outlines the physical/cosmetic birth defects cause by the consumption of

alcohol during pregnancy.

What FAS looks like…Multi-media

http://www.fasarizona.com/CitizenNov2001.htm

This comparison photo depicts the server differences between infants exposed to

alcohol in utero and those who are not. The size, texture and ability are visibly evident

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome WorldToronto Homestead Location

http://www.fasworld.com/aboutfasd.asp

The fetal alcohol syndrome resource centre Canada is located in Scarborough Ontario. FAS World is an international support network.FAS World Canada was founded in 1999 by the parents of a young girl with FAS as a means of providing support for themselves and other parents dealing with the difficulties associated with FAS.Monthly support group meetings are held at the Scarborough location for parents, early childhood educators and professionals in other related fields.

Supporting the FamilyMethods for providing sensitive support to

families/children

• Refer family to the FAS World Scarborough location in order to locate further support for both the adopted twins and their new guardians.

• Provide an open door policy to the guardians of Simon and Thomas in order to create a comfortable environment for whole family.

• Hold regular meetings with the family in order to keep them consistently updated on E.C.E observations and modifications being made to ensure inclusion.

Modification to the Physical Environment & Teaching Strategy

Educational Methods of support for Simon & Thomashttp://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/fas/charstu.htm

• Create individual learning plan/make continuous observations of twins within the classroom setting.

• Collaborate with all E.C.E staff and family in order to ensure that inclusion takes place and that the twins ate receiving the support that is required while at child care.

• Keep a constant daily schedule that is predictable and stable.

• Provide a quiet spot for time alone when desired.

Advocacy & PreventionHow an E.C.E can help…

http://www.fasworld.com/aboutfasd.asp

FAS IS 100% PREVENTABLE

“NO amount of alcohol and no time in pregnancy have been established as safe

for the fetus.”

The best way for educators to prevent FAS, is to spread awareness within their

professional field by utilizing available workshops, pamphlets and or speakers.

FAS KNOTThis symbol was created as a sign of FAS awareness and can be

purchased for $3.00

Poetry as AdvocacyWritten by a parent experiencing FAS -FASLink

“Don’t Ask my Child to Fly” –Bruce Ritchie

Don't ask my child to fly,for he has not wings.

Don't ask my child to see the glint on the eagle's beak,

for his vision has been diminished.

Don't ask my child to remain calm amid the din,

for her ability to screen out the noises has been taken away.

Don't ask my child to be careful with "strangers",

for he is affectionate with everyone and prey for the unscrupulous.

Don't ask my child to "settle down",for the clock which works for you and I,

does not exist for her.

Don't ask my child to not play with the toys of others,

for he has no concept of property.

Don’t ask my child to remember you tomorrow,although you met today.

Don't ask my child to heal your wounds,for her hands cannot hold a scalpel or

sutures.

Don't ask my child to meet the challenges set by society,

for you have denied her the tools.

Don't ask my child to forgive you for standing idly by,

while he was in trouble in his mother's womb,

for he will,

but He may not.

From the Mouths of Babes

Video created on the topic of FAS & Original Animoto

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Video

THANK YOU

YOU HAVE BEEN A WONDERFUL AUDIENCE

SOURCES CITEDThe following websites were consulted for this

assignment:

• http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/fas/

• http://www.fasworld.com/

• http://www.fasarizona.com/CitizenNov2001.htm

• http://www.faslink.org/