FASD United

FASD and Education

FASD often impacts learning and educational experiences.

Students with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) often have challenging school experiences.1 There are unique experiences associated with having an FASD, such as difficulties with memory, executive functioning, and emotional regulation.2 There are also significant impacts from stigma, misunderstanding, and lack of appropriate interventions and support in the educational setting.3 To quantify these challenges, the FASD and Special Education Survey focused on educational experiences for students with FASDs. The survey, which was based on a similar survey completed in 2017-184, was active from March 2023 to February 2024. A total of 684 caregivers, professionals, and self-advocates from 43 states responded, sharing strengths, barriers, and recommendations. 

[1] Lees, B., Riches, J., Mewton, L., Elliott, E. J., Allsop, S., Newton, N., Thomas, S., Rice, L. J., Nepal, S., Teesson, M., & Stapinski, L. A. (2022). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder resources for educators: A scoping review. Health promotion journal of Australia : official journal of Australian Association of Health Promotion Professionals, 33(3), 797–809.

[2] Felgueras, N., López-Díaz, J. M., & Garrote, I. (2024). Effects of Developmental Timing on Cognitive and Behavioral Profiles in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Considerations for Education. Behavioral Sciences (2076-328X), 14(6), 431. https://doi-org.ezproxy.co.carver.mn.us/10.3390/bs14060431

[3] Cleversey, K., Brown, J., & Kapasi, A. (2017). Educating Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Caregiver Support Needs. Journal of Child & Family Studies, 26(10), 2843–2851. https://doi-org.ezproxy.co.carver.mn.us/10.1007/s10826-017-0776-7

[4] Center for FASD Justice & Equity. (2018). National FASD Educational Equity Project.

Learn more about the survey’s impactful results by downloading and sharing our visual report below.

FASD and education survey infographic (3)Download

Thank you to our Affiliate Network and involved individuals who made this survey a success.

To learn more about FASD and education, download and share our fact sheet for educators below.

Fact-sheet-for-Teachers-Download