Advocacy in Education

Advocating for your child with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Ireland’s school system requires a strategic and informed approach, combining clear communication, collaboration, and persistence to ensure your child receives the necessary supports for their learning and development.

Understand FASD and Your Child’s Specific Needs

First, it’s crucial to have a thorough understanding of FASD and how it affects your child. FASD is a spectrum, and each child presents with different challenges, including difficulties with attention, memory, problem-solving, and social skills. Take time to observe your child in different settings, noting where they struggle or thrive. Obtaining a formal diagnosis is not always possible or easy to achieve, however if you are able to obtain a diagnosis for your child, this will help when discussing your child’s needs with the school.

Build Strong Communication with the School

Develop a collaborative relationship with the school. Start by setting up a meeting with the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), the Principal, and your child’s Teacher to discuss your child’s diagnosis, strengths, and areas of difficulty. Bring any reports from healthcare professionals, such as psychologists or occupational therapists, that outline your child’s specific needs and suggested interventions.

At these meetings, share detailed information about how FASD impacts your child, emphasising that the disorder affects learning, behaviour, and social interaction differently for each person. Make sure the school understands that FASD is a brain-based condition that may require tailored strategies beyond typical classroom management.

Request Individualised Supports

In Ireland, children with additional educational needs may be eligible for extra support. Advocate for the development of an Individual Education Plan (IEP) for your child. This is a formal plan that outlines specific learning goals and the supports required to help your child meet them. The IEP may include:

• Adjusted learning materials or lesson plans
• Flexible teaching methods (e.g., breaking tasks into smaller steps)
• Sensory breaks to manage overstimulation
• A predictable daily routine to provide structure

Additionally, inquire about the possibility of securing a Special Needs Assistant (SNA) for your child. An SNA can provide one-on-one support, helping your child stay on task, manage emotional regulation, and cope with challenging behaviours in the classroom.

Stay Actively Involved in Your Child’s Progress

Advocacy does not end after the initial meeting. Monitor your child’s progress closely by maintaining regular communication with Teachers and the SENCo. Schedule follow-up meetings to review the IEP and request an adjustment to any interventions that are not working. Ask for regular feedback about your child’s behaviour, academic progress, and social interactions. If you feel your child’s needs are not being met, don’t hesitate to escalate the issue to the school leadership team or seek further external assessments from CAMHs or NEPs.

Leverage External Resources

In addition to working with the school, connect with FASD Ireland who offer resources, advice, and advocacy services to help navigate the educational system. FASD Ireland can provide workshops, peer support with other parents or carers, and support in understanding your child’s rights under Irish law, including the Education for Persons with Special Educational Needs (EPSEN) Act 2004.

Encourage Awareness and Training

FASD is still relatively under-recognised in many educational settings. Consider advocating for training in FASD for school staff, so they can better understand and accommodate your child’s needs. Training can offer Teachers and SNA's insights into effective strategies for managing FASD-related behaviours, reducing stigma, and providing an inclusive environment for your child.

Advocating for a child with FASD in Ireland’s school system involves a multi-faceted approach. By understanding your child’s needs, building strong communication with the school, securing individualised supports, staying involved in progress monitoring, and utilising external resources, you can help ensure that your child has the best possible opportunity to succeed in their education. Stay patient, persistent, and open to collaboration as you navigate this journey.