Family Forum: Parenting Children with FASD and Drug Exposure

Parenting Children with FASD and Drug Exposure

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASD) can result when a mother consumes alcohol while pregnant. The conditions the child may develop as a result can impact physical health, mental health, behavior, and learning. Because children with FASD can have very high needs, many children with this diagnosis end up in foster care or available for adoption. Children with FASD are can be misdiagnosed, since some of the behavioral and mental health challenges are similar to other conditions (such as ADHD, Conduct Disorder, or executive function issues). Similarly, children who are exposed to drugs in utero can have a variety of conditions ranging from low birth weight to withdrawal to developmental challenges. 

Because the rates of children with these conditions in foster care are high, it’s critical for foster and adoptive parents to understand how to address the behavioral or health conditions that may result. From identifying the right providers to structuring your family routine, we’ll cover some of the biggest concerns families have when parenting FASD or drug-exposed children. You’ll leave with practical tips, access to resources, and confidence that it is possible to provide a stable, supportive, loving home for a child who may have FASD or drug exposure.