What supports should I write in an IEP for a child with FASD?

One of the most important things to understand about FASD is that learning isn’t consistent, and that’s not a child’s fault, so flexible goals and accommodations are a great way to support them. Kids with FASD often need more support on “off” days, even if they did the same task successfully a few days prior. Repetition and scaffolding are essential. Kids may need directions repeated, help starting a task, or support finishing it — not because they aren’t capable, but because their brains need extra structure to access what they know.

Here are some examples of IEP accommodations:

• Extra time to think before responding
• Shorter school days
• Reminders for regulation from teachers and staff
• Math supports, such as manipulatives or kinesthetic support”

In addition, here are some IEP related services that may be beneficial:

• Speech therapy to support receptive language, social communication, memory, and generalizing concepts
• Occupational therapy for sensory regulation and executive functioning

For more information, see our full article Supporting a Child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) at Home, at School, and in the Community.