With working with kids and adults with FASD's we need to look beyond chronological age. We need to meet them where they are function and adjust our expectations.
A child's chronological age is their age based on their date of birth. Their developmental age is the age at which they function emotionally, physically, cognitively and socially. While a child with FASD may be 8 years old, they may be functioning very much younger. Often times kids with FASD are functioning at half their chronological age.
Think about it.
Developmental Age Equivalent
Actual Age 18 years
Expressive language 20 years
Comprehension 6 years
Money and time concepts 8 years
Emotional maturity 6 years
Physical maturity 18 years
Reading ability 16 years
Social skills 7 years
Living skills 11 years
*Streissguth, A.P. & Kanter, J. (Eds.) (1997). The Challenge of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:
Overcoming Secondary Disabilities. Seattle: University of Washington Press.
Understanding that there is often a difference between a child's chronological and developmental age will help caregivers and professionals have more realistic expectations for the child with an FASD.
Age Appropriate Expectations versus Developmental Age Appropriate Expectations
It can be easy to think of kids who don't meet typical milestones as being younger than they are or if they are small and appear much younger. But it can be confusing for all when a child physically and cognitively appears to be say 13, but emotionally acts like he is 6. They child wants to be like everyone else, but struggles with peer relationships and emotions due to his developmental lag which makes it even harder on everyone.
For parents and caregivers we need to set up a child for success by meeting them at their developmental age with fun, learning and structure. All the while taking into account the individual strengths and challenges of each individual child with FASD.
For adults with FASD because of the developmental lag a delay in the full responsibilities of adulthood may be a protective factor. Imagine sending a 9 year old into the real world with little to no support when they are 18. For adults with FASD we need to meet them where they function and give them the circle of support tailored to their needs for life.
Anny
Understanding that there is often a difference between a child's chronological and developmental age will help caregivers and professionals have more realistic expectations for the child with an FASD.
Age Appropriate Expectations versus Developmental Age Appropriate Expectations
It can be easy to think of kids who don't meet typical milestones as being younger than they are or if they are small and appear much younger. But it can be confusing for all when a child physically and cognitively appears to be say 13, but emotionally acts like he is 6. They child wants to be like everyone else, but struggles with peer relationships and emotions due to his developmental lag which makes it even harder on everyone.
For parents and caregivers we need to set up a child for success by meeting them at their developmental age with fun, learning and structure. All the while taking into account the individual strengths and challenges of each individual child with FASD.
For adults with FASD because of the developmental lag a delay in the full responsibilities of adulthood may be a protective factor. Imagine sending a 9 year old into the real world with little to no support when they are 18. For adults with FASD we need to meet them where they function and give them the circle of support tailored to their needs for life.
Anny
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments are moderate and will be approved by administrator.