Children with FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) often need different supports, not more discipline or reminders to “try harder.” This article shares practical, everyday strategies that parents and teachers can use to support attention, memory, emotional regulation, and learning, helping children feel more capable and understood in both home and classroom environments.
Tools and Tricks to Help Your Amazing Brain
Cool Tools That Help
Remember how we said your brain just needs help sometimes? Here are awesome tools that can help!
For Remembering Things
Pictures: Take photos of important stuff! Photo of your homework? Check. Photo of where you put your library book? Check. Your phone or tablet camera is your best friend.
Checklists with Pictures: Instead of a boring list that says “get ready for school,” have a checklist with pictures:
- Brush teeth
- Get dressed
- Pack bag
- Put on shoes
Alarms and Reminders: Set alarms on a phone or tablet for important stuff:
- Time to leave for school
- Homework time
- Bedtime routine
Write It Down: Keep a special notebook or use your phone to write down important things right away.
For Staying Focused
Fidget Tools: Things to keep your hands busy while your brain focuses:
- Stress balls
- Fidget spinners
- Putty or playdough
- Clicking pens (if teachers allow it)
Movement Breaks: Take breaks to move your body:
- Jump on a trampoline
- Do star jumps
- Take a quick walk
- Dance to one song
Quiet Spaces: Having a special spot that’s quiet and calm for homework or when you need to focus.
Headphones: Noise-cancelling headphones or listening to calm music can help block out distractions.
Timers: Visual timers that show time passing help you know how much longer you need to focus.
For Organising
Color Coding: Different colors for different things:
- Red folder for maths
- Blue folder for reading
- Green folder for homework to do
Everything Has a Home: Every item has ONE spot where it always goes:
- Keys on the hook by the door
- Backpack in the same corner
- Shoes in the shoe rack
Labels with Pictures: Label boxes, drawers, and spots with pictures showing what goes there.
Daily Routine Charts: A chart showing exactly what happens each day:
- Morning routine
- After-school routine
- Bedtime routine
For Big Feelings
Calm-Down Kit: A special box with things that help you calm down:
- Stress ball
- Calming glitter bottle
- Favourite toy
- Soft blanket
- Headphones with calm music
Feelings Chart: A chart with faces showing different feelings so you can point to how you feel when words are hard.
Breathing Exercises: Special breathing that helps your brain calm down:
- Breathe in for 4 counts
- Hold for 4 counts
- Breathe out for 4 counts
- Repeat
Safe Space: A cozy spot you can go when feelings are too big—maybe a beanbag in your room or a tent with pillows.
Talking to Someone: Having a grown-up you trust who you can talk to when feelings are overwhelming.
For Learning
Hands-On Activities: Learning by DOING instead of just listening:
- Building models
- Drawing pictures
- Acting things out
- Using real objects
Videos and Visual Learning: Watching videos about topics instead of just reading about them.
Breaking Big Tasks into Tiny Steps: Instead of “do your homework,” it’s:
- Get out homework folder
- Find the worksheet
- Get a pencil
- Do problem 1
- Do problem 2 (And so on!)
Relating to Your Interests: Learning about things using your favorite subjects:
- Love dinosaurs? Learn maths using dinosaur counters!
- Love sport? Read books about athletes!
Strategies at School
Ask Your Teacher:
- To write instructions on the board
- To repeat important information
- To break big assignments into smaller parts
- To give you a quiet spot for tests
- To let you move or fidget if it helps you focus
Use Tools:
- Laptop or tablet for typing instead of writing by hand
- Calculator for maths
- Audio books instead of reading
- Highlighters to mark important parts
Get a Study Buddy: A friend who can help you remember homework or explain things in a different way.
Take Breaks: It’s okay to ask for a quick break when your brain gets tired!
Strategies at Home
Routines Are Your Friend: Do things the same way at the same time each day. Your brain loves routines!
Ask for Help: Tell your parents or other adults when you need:
- Reminders
- Help breaking tasks into steps
- Someone to check you understood instructions
- Help getting started on tasks
Use Technology:
- Reminder apps
- Timer apps
- Organisation apps
- Educational games
Prepare the Night Before: Get everything ready for the next day before bed:
- Pack school bag
- Pick out clothes
- Put shoes by the door
Making and Keeping Friends
Be Yourself: The best friends like you for YOU, not for pretending to be someone else.
Find Kids with Similar Interests: Join clubs for things you love—you’ll meet kids who like the same stuff!
Ask for Help Understanding Social Stuff: It’s okay to ask a grown-up or friend:
- “Was that person joking or serious?”
- “Did I say something wrong?”
- “What should I do in this situation?”
Practice Social Skills: With your parents, other adults or therapist, you can practice:
- How to join a game
- How to handle it when you’re upset
- How to be a good friend
Real Friends Understand: You can explain to close friends: “My brain works a bit differently. Sometimes I might miss things or forget stuff, but I really care about being your friend!”
Taking Care of Yourself
Be Kind to Your Brain:
- Get enough sleep
- Eat healthy food
- Drink water
- Move your body every day
- Take breaks when you need them
Celebrate Your Wins: Did you remember to pack your bag? Awesome! Did you finish your homework? Amazing! Did you stay calm when something upset you? Fantastic!
Celebrate the small stuff—it’s all important.
Do Things You Love: Make time for activities that make you happy:
- Drawing
- Playing
- Sports
- Reading
- Building
- Being creative
Talk About Your Feelings: When things are hard, talk to someone you trust. Keeping feelings inside makes them bigger.
Your Superpowers
Let’s end by remembering all the amazing things about you:
You’re Creative: Your different brain sees things in unique ways!
You’re Determined: You keep trying even when things are hard!
You’re Caring: You understand how others feel!
You’re Unique: There’s nobody else exactly like you!
You’re Capable: With the right help, you can do amazing things!
You’re Special: Your brain is different, and that makes you special!
Remember
- Your brain is not broken—it’s just different
- You need help with some things, and that’s completely okay
- You have amazing strengths and superpowers
- With the right tools and support, you can do anything you set your mind to
- You are loved and valued exactly as you are
A Message for You
You are amazing. Your brain works in its own special way, and that’s what makes you unique.
Some things will be harder for you than for other kids. That’s okay. Everyone has things that are hard for them.
Some things will be easier for you than for other kids. That’s awesome! Use those superpowers!
Never forget: you’re not broken, you’re not bad, and you’re not less than anyone else. You’re just YOU, and that’s exactly who you should be.
Keep being curious about your brain. Keep asking for help when you need it. Keep celebrating your wins. Keep being your amazing self.
| You’ve got this! |
Want to Learn More?
Talk to:
- Your parents or carers
- Your school counsellor
- Your teacher
- A psychologist who understands FASD
Websites for Kids: Your parents can help you find kid-friendly information about FASD.
Books: There are books written just for kids about having brains that work differently!
Remember: Understanding your brain is the first step to using it in the best way possible!
This guide was written by Dr. Adina Piovesana, who works with lots of kids with FASD. She thinks every kid is special and amazing, and she wrote this especially for you!
Final thoughts
With the right tools, structure, and understanding, children with FASD can thrive both emotionally and academically. Small adjustments at home and in the classroom can significantly reduce stress and improve confidence over time. An assessment helps identify which strategies are most appropriate for a child’s individual profile, supporting more consistent outcomes across settings.
