Skip To Main Content

Toggle Close container

Mobile Main Nav

Utility Nav Mobile

Translate | traducir

Post

CDE Blank Default Post - When There Are No Closures or Notices

.

Header Holder

Header Top Wrapper

Header Right Top

Utility Nav Desktop

Translate
traducir

Toggle Search Container

Toggle Menu Container

Search Canvas

Close Search Canvas

Header Sticky

Header Right Sticky

Utility Nav Desktop

Translate
traducir

Toggle Search Container

Toggle Menu Container

Breadcrumb

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

photo of kids and families

 

Definition:

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are a group of diagnosable medical conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. Effects are lifelong and can include mental health conditions, learning disabilities, sensory issues, and physical manifestations such as heart defects, hearing and visual impairments, and more. Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders often have challenging school experiences. There are unique experiences associated with having an FASD, such as difficulties with memory, executive functioning, and emotional regulation. There are also significant impacts from stigma, misunderstanding and lack of appropriate interventions and support in the educational setting. (FASD United)      

photo

 

photo

FASD Prevalence and Facts: The Infographics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that at least 1 in 20 U.S. school children may be affected by a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). For more information from the CDC.

Training and Professional Development Opportunities

Consequences Don't Matter? Why Traditional Approaches Often Fail for Students with FASD

September 9, 2026

September 24, 2026

February 8, 2027

March 4, 2027

Monthly on Wednesdays from October 2026 to May 2027 on the following dates:

  • October 14, 2026
  • November 11, 2026
  • December 9, 2026
  • January 13, 2027
  • February 10, 2027
  • March 10, 2027
  • April 14, 2027
  • May 12, 2027

Registration required. 

Held virtually on Thursdays on the following dates:

  • October 22, 2026
  • January 28, 2027
  • February 25, 2027
  • April 22, 2027
  • May 27, 2027

Registration required.

Technical Assistance

Technical Assistance: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) (PDF)


Professional Development

Brain Injury Professional Development Opportunities

  • Understanding the Brain Learning Series
  • 8 Magic Keys - Video
  • Education and FASD Toolkit

FASD Resources

Jump to Resource Types

Educator Resources 

Documents

Other Health Impairment Eligibility Guidance Document

OHI Eligibility Guidance Document (PDF)

CDE Brain Injury Manual in Children and Youth - A Manual For Educators, 2018

All information located in this manual is applicable to congenital and acquired brain injury

Colorado Dept. of Education: Brain Injury in Children and Youth – A Manual for Educators, 2018 (PDF)

Technical Assistance: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Technical assistance: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) (PDF)

Websites

Parent Resources

Documents

Other Health Impairment Eligibility Guidance Document

OHI Eligibility Guidance Document (PDF)

Technical Assistance: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Technical assistance: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) (PDF)

For Kids and Families

Websites

  • FASD and COVID 19 - From the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
  • Addiction Campuses Colorado
  • Center on the Developing Child – Harvard University - These key scientific concepts are the building blocks of the core story of child development. Each page within this section provides a concise overview of a different key concept and aggregates a variety of resources created by the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child and the Center.
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FAS Prevention Team​
  • Colorado Classroom: Read with Me at Home - Governor Jared Polis, the Colorado Department of Education, and the Colorado Education Initiative are partnering with Rocky Mountain Public Media to provide K-3 learners, and their families and caregivers with direct-to-home remote literacy learning though “Colorado Classroom - Read With Me at Home” starting May 18 at 8 a.m. Every Monday through Friday for the next five weeks, Rocky Mountain PBS will provide 2 hours of standards-aligned K through 3 literacy and English language development lessons by master teachers to students across the state - from the Eastern plains to the Western slope. Accompanying lesson plans and work packets will be posted on RMPBS’ website for parents and caregivers to use, adapt, and build upon. Access to the lesson plans and student work packets available at rmpbs.org/ColoradoClassroom or by calling 800-274-6666.
  • Illuminate Colorado: Family Support Groups and Individual Resources
  • Proof Alliance: Support & Resources
  • VROOM (PDF)  - As you meet the new challenges that each day brings, supporting you is Vroom’s primary focus. Vroom is here to share simple and fun ways to boost learning that don’t require more time or money. Vroom tips are always free, flexible, and designed to support you in your daily life.

Other Websites


Questions?

For more information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, please contact:

Jody Dickerson
Brain Injury Specialist
Email Jody Dickerson
(720) 795-2273 

Contact Us

Exceptional Student Services Unit (ESSU)

ESSU Newsletter

Our primary form of communication, we publish monthly with info from our gifted education, special education, and facility schools offices.

ESSU Newsletter Sign-up

Archived ESSU Newsletters