#FASDStrong
If you have a child with #FASD get any & all supports you can find

You can’t do this by yourself

You need social workers, OTs, SERTS, pediatricians, respite workers, therapists & support groups to give your child (& yourself) the support needed to be a success

It is OK to ask for help #FASDStrong
September 29, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Changing the behaviours in #FASDstrong people can certainly be done. However, it’s like turning around an aircraft carrier.

It takes a lot of time
It takes a lot of space
It takes a lot of patience

You won’t immediately see progress. Stick with it. It is happening #FASD
September 28, 2025 at 2:47 PM
If they're not disregulated, people who are #FASDstrong can show a great deal of compassion & TLC.

This can especially be true when they're working with animals or the elderly #FASD
September 27, 2025 at 5:22 PM
People who are #FASDstrong are hard working by nature. To make up for their difficiencies, the #FASD brain works twice as hard as a neurotypical brain

If you take this into account with smooth transitions & "brain breaks" when they seem mentally tired, FASD can be quite productive
September 26, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Because #FASDstrong people are visual thinkers & communicators by nature, they show a great deal of creativity. Many find success in the media or arts

This creativity can also a great outlet to help clear their head & reset their brain #FASD
September 25, 2025 at 3:42 PM
It’s and natural to focus on the symptoms of #FASD but those that are #FASDStrong have all kinds of strength

When you learn the strengths of your FASD brain you can use those to help with learning & boost self esteem
September 24, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Framing is everything

When you know how a #FASD brain functions & how it affects symptoms, you can frame behaviour with respect & understanding.

When a #FASDstrong person receives understanding instead of shame, it’s better for their self esteem (and gets you better behaviour).
September 23, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Because #FASD is lifelong, #FASDStrong people may never be truly independent.

They can function well by being interdependent (depending on the help of others). Examples:

"I need you to grocery shop with me so I stay on budget"

"Please remind me to pay my bills"

"I can drive if someone navigates"
September 22, 2025 at 4:16 PM
#FASD MYTH: You outgrow FASD as you get older

FACT: FASD is a lifelong disability. #FASDStrong people may learn to live with it but it never goes away.
September 22, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Symptoms for #FASD vary daily. #FASDstrong people wake up not knowing how well or poorly their brain will function that day.

When you get those bad days (they do happen), & you're frustrated, just remember how they're feeling inside & how frustrated must battling this disability
September 22, 2025 at 3:56 PM
When someone with #FASD gets deregulated, it will be intense & may have physical/verbal abuse. Do everything you can to remain calm & deescalate. Don't take things personally. Remember they truly don't know what their doing or saying

Always accept their love & apology afterwards #FASDStrong
September 19, 2025 at 4:52 PM
The #FASD brain has trouble estimating time. If you ask a #FASDstrong person to "be back in 10 minutes", they may be back in 45 (or vice versa). Watches & timers are keys to helping this

They also struggle planning time (to be at work by 9, they need to leave at 8 to be on the bus at 8:15)
September 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
People with #FASD need to keep things concrete, physical & tangible

-use timers & stopwatches to keep track of time

-Use cash money. #FASDstrong people often carry their budgeted amount of money until next payday in cash so they can tangibly see how much money they have left
September 17, 2025 at 3:54 PM
Another brain function that people with #FASD struggle with is understanding abstract ideas or concepts. These include things like time (more on that soon), money & language (slang,sayings & sarcasm) #FASDstrong
September 17, 2025 at 3:52 PM
A 16 yr old with #FASD is in a tense situation:

-their brain delays telling the best way to handle things
-They can't remember consequences
-dysmaturity has them feeling like a 8 yr old
-they can't control their emotions or resist impulses

And now they are in trouble with the law #FASDstrong
September 16, 2025 at 12:26 PM
One #FASD behaviour that appears to be impulse control is under/over eating

This however, is again caused by delays in the brain's executive functioning.

Simply put, it is taking longer for the FASD brain to realize that person is full or hungry. #FASDStrong
September 15, 2025 at 1:54 PM
People with #FASD can also be impulsive. Delays in executive function can lead to the appearance that an #FASDstrong person has no filter or willpower.

Impulse control can manifest itself in the form of addiction, physical or verbal abuse (especially if the impulse is denied)
September 15, 2025 at 1:54 PM
#FASD MYTH: people with FASD do not know right from wrong

Fact: #FASDstrong people have a strong conscience & moral compass. Delays in executive function (getting info to the brain's front), dysmaturity, & emotional regulation issues contribute to momentary misbehaviour however
September 14, 2025 at 10:45 PM
Because of delays in executive function as well as dysmaturity, people who are #FASDstrong have trouble controlling their emotions.
September 14, 2025 at 10:44 PM
So how do I keep my #FASDstrong kid out of trouble?

Use the "snowplough" method of parenting

The same way a snowplough clears your path, you clear you child's mental path so they have a great day

Remove any known emotional triggers & have things ready so their brain works less
September 13, 2025 at 6:13 PM
Another brain domain affected by #FASD is difficulty with consequences/cause & effect

Remember the FASD brain has difficulty getting information to the front of the brain fast

Therefore, it's difficult for #FASDstrong people to recall negative or positive reinforcement quickly
September 13, 2025 at 6:11 PM
The #FASD brain actually works harder than a neurotypical brain. It takes longer to rev down, transition & then rev up again. This is called tendril theory as explained in the photo

More time needs to given to #FASDstrong people to transition. Wherever possible avoid surprises
September 12, 2025 at 3:57 PM
The next brain function affected by #FASD is transitioning

Because it takes longer for information to reach the front of their brain, people who are #FASDstrong have difficulty transitioning from task to task, environment to environment and/or person to person
September 12, 2025 at 3:55 PM
MYTH: people with #FASD are lazy

FACT: When #FASDstrong people fail to do tasks, it's because their brain forgets they need to be done or how to do them

Like CEOs needs an EA (executive assistant) to organize their day. An FASD kid needs an EA (educational asst) to help organize their school day
September 11, 2025 at 2:51 PM