FASD Programme Part 1: What is FASD?

Event Description

Support for Learning, Pastoral Care

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD, is a leading cause of neurodevelopmental conditions in the Western world, but is chronically underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in the UK. It is caused by prenatal alcohol exposure, and is estimated to affect 3-5% of the population in Scotland.

The symptoms of FASD often overlap with conditions such as autism, ADHD and anxiety disorders. Although more prevalent in young people who have lived experience of the care system, FASD exists in all populations, regardless of social or economic background – the majority, however, have no diagnosis or obvious physical markers of a condition. For most, the only markers are a spiky profile of emotional, social and academic abilities, and behavioural symptoms.

This is a 90-minute online introduction to FASD and how the condition may affect a young person’s school experience. It is open to all and is particularly relevant to those in Support for Learning roles, those seeking professional development in supporting neurodiverse pupils, pastoral staff and those who support care experienced / adopted pupils.

We are delighted to welome back Ailsa Clarke, owner of Valiant Minds Education, to deliver this session. Ailsa's professional background is in secondary school teaching.  A decade ago, she became an adoptive parent to a neurodiverse son and it is this steep learning curve that that has led her from classroom teaching to found Valiant Minds Education.  She now works internationally as an education consultant, providing training and support for educators in brain-based, trauma-informed practice.

Colleagues registering for Part 1 will automatically be enrolled on Part 2 - 10 October 9.30 - 11.00 am