  |
|
|
|
Managing FAS Behaviors in ChildrenParenting Foster & Adopted Kids with Alcohol-related Birth DefectsParenting children with alcohol-related birth defects can be frustrating, especially when techniques that work on other children fail to work on a child with FAS.
Many of the behaviors of children afflicted with FAS exhibit can be managed with time and patience, although they may not fully be able to control their own behavior. The sad reality is that FAS children have brain damage, and it is irreversible. Keep in mind that children with FAS typically behave younger than their age, and should be parented according to the age they act, and not their biological age. Routines & ConsistencyOne of the most important things parents can do for their child with FAS is to be consistent in their daily routine. Develop a schedule and stick to it. If a change in routine is going to occur, explain this to the child in advance and prepare him for it. Role PlayRole play is a wonderful behavior modification tool. Use role play to show the child how to act appropriately, both before and after an inappropriate behavior surfaces. For instance, if the child became frustrated and threw down his books when he couldn’t solve a math problem, role play the situation that occurred at a time when both parent and child are calm. Have him act out the situation, only this time he politely asks for help. In this way, he can visually see how to appropriately handle the frustration he is feeling, without bursting into a tantrum. He also sees how asking for help solves the problem instead of creating an even bigger problem. Natural ConsequencesThe use of natural consequences is an extremely effective technique. Children naturally repeat behaviors, right or wrong, that have worked for them in the past and got the response they want. Removing the reward for inappropriate behaviors teaches the child that the behavior doesn’t work, so eventually he will stop acting inappropriately. It is important to note that if the child has used an inappropriate behavior, such as tantrums, in order to get what he wants, and it has worked in the past, it will take him much longer to learn that it will not work now. The key is to be consistent and don’t allow an inappropriate behavior to reward the child in the first place. Time-OutTime-outs are usually associated with punishment, but this kind of time-out is different. Children with FAS are easily over-stimulated, so taking a breather can help reduce the incidence of out-of-control behavior by removing the child from the situation. These time-outs equip the child with a tool for controlling outbursts before he has a chance to begin. Find a place that is comfortable and quiet. It might be in his bedroom, or in a room away from other household activities. The important thing is to significantly reduce the stress the child is feeling from noise and chaos. Dim the lights and allow him time to “chill-out.” Then say, “Timmy, you may join us when you feel that you can behave appropriately.” Allow him to control when he comes back into the setting. RewardsNearly everyone enjoys being rewarded for hard work and dedication. Children are no different, especially children with special challenges. When setting up a reward system for children with FAS, remember that they have difficulty relating consequences to their behavior, and this is also true with rewards. Make rewards as immediate as possible, and explain why they are receiving the reward, sprinkled with words of praise. Parenting an adopted child with an alcohol-related birth defect has its share of challenges. Using these easy and effective techniques will help parents meet those challenges head-on, and help their child reach his full potential. Reference: Parenting Children Affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, A Guide for Daily Living, British Columbia Ministry for Children and Families. Related Articles:Fetal Alcohol Syndrome & Adoption FAS Symptoms & Diagnostic Criteria Helping Adopted Children Thrive
The copyright of the article Managing FAS Behaviors in Children in Adoption is owned by Crystal Killion. Permission to republish Managing FAS Behaviors in Children in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
|
|
|
|
