1. Simplicity – Individuals with FASD are easily overstimulated. When they get over-stimulated they may shut down, at which point they can’t assimilate any more information. Therefore, a simple environment is the foundation for an effective life.
  2. Specific – Say exactly what you mean. Remember that individuals with FASD have difficulties with abstraction, generalization and not being able to “fill in the blanks” when given a direction. This leaves them stressed and frustrated. Tell them and show them step by step what to do. If you consistently model appropriate habit patterns, it will be easier for them to develop similar habits.
  3. Structure – Structure is the “glue” that makes the world understandable to people with FASD. If the glue is taken away, the walls fall down! They can achieve and be successful if their world is appropriately organized for them.
  4. Supervision – Because of their cognitive challenges, individuals with FASD bring a naiveté to daily life situations. They may need constant supervision to develop habit patterns of appropriate behaviour.
Use of handout, discussion

Materials and equipment

Flip chart and markers
Handout 10.13: Things I Would Like Teachers to Know (2 pages)

Preparation

Read over the information given in the introduction to this activity and as part of the step-by-step process.
Copy handout.

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS

  1. Tell tutors that you are going to look at some of statements made by a learner with FASD. Give them the full handout this time, not just the sentence strips.
  2. If you did Activity B, ask tutors to read the following statements out loud
    again from their handouts and make a note on the flip chart as follows. If you
    didn’t do Activity B, just read the statements yourself and make the notes.
    • Statements to read:
      • Number 6: Explain things simply.
      • Number 7: I need things to be repeated many, many times.
      • Number 8: I need minimum distractions (noise, people, other sounds and other visuals).
      • Number 10: There are some things I cannot learn no matter what!!! Or who teaches it!!
      • Number 20: I am not good at organization (I need lots of help).
      • Number 23: I need to do things in the same order all the time. If I don’t, my whole day gets messed up!!!
    • Notes for the flip chart:
      • Keep it simple.
      • Repeat.
      • Minimize distractions.
      • Work around broken connections.
      • Use structure and consistency.