The Pro-D Day on FASD that I attended was very informative.  I was excited because it was on a topic that I did not have much knowledge about.  I knew this workshop would be beneficial for me to attend because there is a possibility that I may end up teaching at a school that has a student(s) with FASD.I knew about FASD, but I did not know the approach for helping a child with it in a classroom setting, nor the signs of FASD.  I learned that the FASD-Informed Approach is focused around awareness of FASD, person-centered accommodations, strength-based approach, and safety and relationship based.  I learned that no two individuals with FASD are the same, meaning that any student with FASD will need individualized support based off of their needs.  It is also very important to build a relationship with your student with FASD; ask them questions and listen, meet their family.  Using a strength-based approach with a student who has FASD is important because it celebrates the individual student’s strengths.  This approach not only gets you to know the student, but it also allows for you to identify ways to help them.  Some strategies to use in a classroom to help a student with FASD are having visual supports, having a routine established, and considering design and layout of the classroom.  Creating that structure for the student is crucial.

As I near the last few months of my time as a student, I often find myself thinking of what I want to do next.  I have a passion for students with special needs.  In a few years’ time, my plan is to go back to school to obtain my master’s degree in special ed.  Attending this workshop is one way I have been able to incorporate my areas of interest while still working towards my degree.  These workshops will only make me a better teacher!