Teachers, School Leaders and Aboriginal Educators
Schools in the Kimberley play an important role in developing greater engagement with their school communities. Strong relationships with key professionals, the community and families create successful community engagement frameworks that underpin the comprehensive strategies required to address the complex needs of these communities.
Research shows that with early diagnosis, preferably before the age of six, the required network of professional and social support can be put in place, and can produce significant improvements to the quality of life of a child or young person living with FASD.
Schools play a vital role in connecting families and health services in ways that navigate the referral and diagnosis processes.
In conversation with teachers and principals, it is evident that understanding these disorders has a dramatic impact on responses. By addressing the specific needs of children and young people living with FASD in ways that promote understanding and compassion, rather than judgement and frustration, we are all better equipped to succeed. It is therefore important, that teachers are able to recognise and identify the primary characteristics of children and young people living with FASD.
The resources below support teachers in developing a better understanding of FASD, supporting families and exploring the implications for teaching and learning.
FASD and complex trauma - A resource for educators - 2nd editionFostering professional learning communities to support children and young people living with FASD. This second edition acknowledges the role of complex trauma and its relationship to FASD and draws on new research about the effects of trauma on the developing brain and presents new insights on the interrelatedness of trauma and FASD (PDF 7.4MB). |
Fostering professional learning communities to support children and young people living with FASD - 1st editionDeveloped by the Marulu Unit and its partners, Understanding and addressing the needs of children and young people living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a practical education resource designed to support School Leaders, Teachers, Aboriginal Educators and the broad school community to recognise, understand and work effectively with students living with FASD in our schools. This package was designed to support educators across the Kimberley; however, the materials are also relevant for all school communities across Australia, meeting the complex needs of students living with this challenging and often difficult to diagnose set of disorders. A core message throughout the package is that educators and communities working together can improve both education and life outcomes for this vulnerable group of children and young people. The more we as educators understand and know about FASD, the better able we are to adjust our pedagogy and learning environments to create success and genuine engagement for this group of children and young people, within a strength-based approach. |
Patches Paediatrics resources |
No FASD Resources