2026 Education and FASD International Conference • Oct 23, 2026

Beyond the Box: Flexible High‑School Supports for FASD Learners

1:30PM to 2:10PM PDT / 40min

Supporting youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in high‑school settings requires intentional connection, flexible programming, and innovative pathways that honour each learner’s strengths. This presentation explores a multi‑layered approach that begins with establishing a connection point — a trusted person and place that anchors students who may have masked their needs in earlier grades. We highlight creative, individualized programming such as leadership‑based credit opportunities, small‑group skill development, and collaborative planning with administrators to design graduation pathways that feel achievable and empowering.

Our work emphasizes thinking outside the box through flexible pacing, multimodal learning, adapted coursework, and alternative graduation routes. We also focus on preparing students for life beyond school by expanding their world: supported work experiences, visual systems, advocacy skill‑building, and guided future‑planning tools like PATH.

Grounded in promising practices, this session demonstrates how innovative structures, relational support, and intentional flexibility can help FASD learners thrive academically, socially, and in their transition to adulthood.