Prevention is extremely important:

• Talk to your child early about safety, ownership, right and wrong. Repeat these conversations often
• Minimize negative influences: get to know your child’s friends and their parents.
• Help your child find good mentors, role models and friends that do not use drugs or alcohol or engage in risky behaviour
• Supervise interactions
  

People with FASD are over-represented and vulnerable in both youth and adult justice settings. According to the John Howard Society of Ontario (2010), youth with FASD are 19 times more likely to be jailed than youth without FASD and 60% of people with FASD over 12 years old have been charged with, or convicted of,

FASD is beginning to be more recognized and accommodated in schools. However, this recognition is new, and some schools may be more aware than others about FASD. When working with the school, present yourself as a resource who will make things better for the child and easier for the teacher. Encourage the school to consult

Children with FASD can repeat things well but they often have difficulty understanding what is being said and expressing how they are feeling. Challenging behaviour can manifest when your child attempts to tell you that something is wrong, but they do not have the ability to express themselves at that point in time.

Suggestions to help:

The best time to tell a child they have FASD will be different for each child. A good time could be when your child starts asking questions about why things are different for them. You could also tell them when they notice they are different than other children. Begin explaining to them that their brain

Here are a few things you can do help your child reach their full potential:

• Give your child continual encouragement. Nurture their strengths and abilities.
• Nurture their strengths and abilities.
• Get an early diagnosis (before 6 years of age) if possible
• Ensure your child has special education/support services that understand FASD as early as possible