Employment offers individuals a socially valued role.
Being employed can provides many things, such as:
- Income
- Opportunities to connect with others
- Increase self-esteem and quality of life
80% of adults with FASD have problems with employment
Individuals with FAS have problems with things like:
- Memory
- Difficulty remembering instructions
- Attention
- Hard to maintain focus for long periods of time
- Hard time focusing on two things at once
- Difficulty with time and money
- Poor communication with others
Lack of employment may affect an individual’s ability to live independently
What can employers do to help individuals with FAS?
- Provide structure and routine to help them focus
- Repeat instructions and only make minor adjustments when necessary
- Offer pre-employment vocational skills program
- Provide constant job-coaching
How can employers make a difference and support individuals and families affected by FAS?
- Hire people with FAS and other disabilities
- Discuss FAS and other disorders at health fairs, etc.
- Provide employees with information regarding prevention of FASD and risks of alcohol use during pregnancy
- Support FASD non-profit organizations and support groups
The more we discuss and bring more attention to FAS, the easier it will be to prevent.
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