Today is Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Day.
FASD is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.
TACT has long expressed concern that FASD is a more wide spread condition than has been acknowledged until now, especially in looked after children, with little awareness or training given to professionals. In the foster care sector, much attention is given to what a child may have experienced or witnessed since birth, which will obviously impact upon their behaviour. However, many children coming into care do so as a result of parents misusing substances such as alcohol, and so the numbers of foetaly affected children in the care system is undoubtedly much higher than in the rest of the population.
FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD have their own unique areas of difficulties and may experience challenges in their daily living and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, emotional regulation, and social skills.
Martin Clarke -TACT Director of Performance Support and a former social worker shares his view on FASD and what we should be doing about it here.
Two TACT foster carers – have written blogs about their experiences of caring for children with FASD. Click here to read Amanda’s blog and Claire’s blog.