'FASD Informed' Programme for Carers and Parents

Mar 12

3 min read

Updated: Sep 26

A practical ten-week online programme for those providing day-to-day care for a child or young person with prenatal alcohol exposure, at risk of or confirmed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

No diagnosis or previous experience is needed. From the first session, participants are supported to look beyond behaviour, understand the neurodevelopmental need behind a child’s presentation and use practical approaches that reduce overwhelm while maintaining safety and supportive boundaries. Each week offers clear takeaway strategies that can be adapted for home, education, family life and periods of change.

Session 1 — Understanding FASD and the child behind the presentation: Build a clear, assumption-free understanding of prenatal alcohol exposure and FASD. Explore uneven development, functioning age, strengths, vulnerabilities and why a child may appear more able than they are in everyday situations.
Session 2 — Processing speed, memory and fluctuating capacity: Understand why a child’s ability can vary across tasks, environments and times of day. Learn to allow more processing time, use fewer words, break tasks into smaller steps, repeat information and adjust expectations without lowering aspirations.
Session 3 — Communication, confabulation and checking understanding: Explore how receptive language, working memory, sequencing and a wish to please may shape what a child says or agrees to. Learn safer ways to ask questions, avoid leading language, check understanding and respond to confabulation without blame.
Session 4 — Fixed thinking, perseveration and flexibility: Understand why a child may become stuck on a thought, action, plan or perceived injustice. Practise calm redirection, structured choices, visual preparation and predictable ways to help the child move on without escalating pressure.
Session 5 — Regulation, stress and low-demand approaches: Recognise early signs of overload and understand sensory needs, stress responses and demand avoidance. Develop low-demand approaches using co-regulation, careful pacing, fewer instructions, environmental adjustments and planned recovery time.
Session 6 — Looking beneath behaviour: Reframe refusal, impulsivity, inconsistent accounts and taking items as possible signs of memory, communication, regulation or executive-function difficulty. Use curious, non-shaming responses that teach skills and reduce repeated conflict.
Session 7 — Co-occurring needs, development and everyday learning: Consider attention, sleep, sensory, communication, attachment and learning needs alongside FASD. Develop realistic developmental expectations and practical scaffolding for routines, relationships, independence and daily living.
Session 8 — Working with education and other professionals: Learn how to describe the child’s needs clearly, share useful evidence, request appropriate adjustments and contribute confidently to school meetings, SEND planning, EHCP reviews and wider professional discussions.
Session 9 — Transitions and forward planning: Prepare for changes in routine, home life, school, year group, holidays, services and relationships. Use gradual preparation, repetition, visual supports, familiar anchors and contingency planning to reduce avoidable distress.
Session 10 — Sustaining family life and planning ahead: Bring the learning together into an individualised support plan. Review successful strategies, identify early signs of overload, consider caregiver wellbeing and agree realistic priorities for home, education and ongoing support.

The programme is delivered online via Zoom at a pace to support families with busy lives and includes certification, practical resources and access to a private peer to peer support community.

Additional one-to-one sessions can be booked for families and carers who would benefit from more tailored support.

To discuss the programme, arrange a group or reserve a place, email info@fasdinformed.co.uk

Further resources and information are available at https://www.fasdinformed.co.uk.