Education, Skill Building, and FASD
Learning is a lifelong process and an essential part of development. Education sets us up for success in many areas of life, including employment and social functioning. Elementary and secondary school helps learners build adaptive and social skills, in addition to particular skills relevant to their areas of interests or strengths. Education opportunities continue into adulthood through work experiences, mentoring, courses, extracurriculars, and targeted skill building.
When unsupported, people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) can struggle in traditional education environments. But with the right supports, accommodations, and strengths-based approaches, they can build the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to thrive in school, employment, and community life. Effective educational supports can help learners overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes both inside and outside the classroom.
People with FASD benefit when everyone involved in their learning journey across the lifespan have a shared understanding of their strengths, needs, and goals and are working together to support learning and growth.
FASD Education Resources
From webinars to organizations, find links to resources about FASD and education to help students with FASD build their skills in school.
Math Interactive Learning Experience (MILE) Program
MILE is a math tutoring program for children aged 3-10 years with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). MILE uses interactive experiences and tools to improve math skills and support math-related cognitive abilities.
POPFASD (External Organization)
The Provincial Outreach Program for FASD is a British Columbia-based organization that provides training, workshop, and resources for educators related to FASD.
WRaP 2.0 (External Organization)
Wellness Resiliency and Partnership (WRaP) is an Alberta-based project designed to help schools and teachers meet the educational needs of children and youth with FASD. They offer coaching and training about FASD and education to those interest holders working in the field.
Understanding the Past to Shape the Future: Transitional Planning for Students with FASD (webinar)
CanFASD, May 2025
We dive into the topic of transitional planning for students with FASD in this webinar recording. This video offers practical strategies for supporting students with FASD – whether diagnosed or not. It’s a great resource for educators, caregivers, policymakers, and professionals across the education sector!
FASD and Education: Strategies for Success (webinar)
CanFASD, October 2024
In this webinar, we explain the educational needs of children and youth with FASD and share answers to common questions teachers and caregivers have about navigating FASD in the classroom. Viewers will hear from Danna Ormstrup and Brenda Feland will share their years of experience working in the FASD and education field.
Research on FASD and Education
Research continues to improve our understanding of how educational systems can better support students with FASD and promote positive learning outcomes. These key journal articles, authored by members of the CanFASD Research Network and partners, explore various themes related to FASD and education.
Teacher-Reported Prevalence of FASD in Kindergarten and Association With Home Problems and Early Intervention in 2010-2015 and 2016-2020
Rhyan Hawke, Caroline Reid-Westoby, Jacqueline Pei & Magdalena Janus
Child Psychiatry &Human Development, May 2026
Understanding Adverse Experiences and Providing School-Based Supports for Youth who are High Risk with and without FASD
Katherine Flannigan, Michaela Rebus, Neda Mitchell, Amber Gear, Brandy Basisty, Katelynn Couling, Cliff Whitford, Michael Moore, Scott Meunier, Ken Smale, Jacqueline Pei & Carmen Rasmussen
International Journal of Special Education, 2017
Balancing the story of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A narrative review of the literature on strengths
Katherine Flannigan, Andrew Wrath, Chantel Ritter, Kaitlyn McLachlan, Kelly D Harding, Alanna Campbell, Dorothy Reid, Jacqueline Pei
Alcoholism: Clinical and experimental research, December 2012
Issue Papers
CanFASD issue papers summarizing key issues related to FASD, education, and skill building.
Current Strategies and Educational Supports for Students with FASD (2018)
Evidence shows the need for revised strategies and improved educational supports for students with FASD through all levels of diagnosis, assessment, and intervention planning in order to foster positive learning outcomes.