Prenatal Substance Exposure
Featured Books
Trying Differently Rather Than Harder: Rethinking Neurodiversity, Transforming Lives
Trying Differently Rather than Harder introduces the neurobehavioral approach to supporting children and teens with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). By reframing behaviors as brain-based differences rather than willful misbehavior, it helps parents and professionals respond with more effective strategies. With case examples, practical interventions, and stories of improved outcomes, this book reduces frustration and builds understanding. Widely considered the gold standard, it’s an essential resource for every foster and adoptive parent.
Essential FASD Supports
Behavior consultant Nate Sheets draws on years of experience with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders to present his “Cognitive Supports” framework, inspired by Diane Malbin and Mona Delahooke. Grounded in brain-based understanding, this book offers practical strategies for everyday challenges like executive functioning struggles, emotional dysregulation, opposition, lying, and stealing. Accessible and solution-focused, it’s a must-read for parents and caregivers seeking effective ways to support children, youth, and young adults affected by prenatal alcohol or drug exposure.
More Great Books
Explained by Brain
Psychologist and parent Dr. Vanessa Spiller combines clinical expertise with lived experience in this practical FASD Workbook for parents, carers, and teachers. Covering FASD basics, brain function, and common challenges like lying, stealing, aggression, and sexual behaviors, it emphasizes building on a child’s strengths. Real-life stories, practical tips, and fillable charts make it highly usable for families and professionals alike. A hands-on, insightful resource for understanding and supporting children and teens with FASD at any stage.
FASD and the Online World
In this timely guide, Dr. Ira Chasnoff addresses the unique risks the internet poses for children and teens prenatally exposed to alcohol or drugs. With challenges in social skills, impulse control, and emotional regulation, these youth are especially vulnerable online. Chasnoff explains why, identifies the most concerning aspects of internet use, and offers practical strategies to balance independence with protection. An essential resource for parents and professionals navigating the digital world with vulnerable children. Also by this author, “Making a Difference: Caring for the Infant Prenatally Exposed to Alcohol and Drugs.”
Damaged Angels: An Adoptive Mother’s Struggle to Understand the Tragic Toll of Alcohol in Pregnancy
Part heartfelt memoir, part practical guide, Damaged Angels recounts Bonnie Buxton’s struggles to raise her adopted daughter Colette, whom she didn’t realize was afflicted with fetal alcohol disorder. Her book also offers guidance to parents who have children with FASD. This was a sad book but provides valuable information to parents trying to navigate the world of FASD. At times it was hard to slog through, but the information provided made it worth the effort.
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Guide to FASD for Parents, Carers and Professionals
This accessible introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), written by two leading experts, explains how prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts development and impacts individuals across the lifespan. Using clear diagrams, photos, and charts, it helps parents and caregivers recognize signs of FASD and offers practical, supportive strategies for children, teens, and adults. A highly informative and approachable resource for families and professionals alike.
The Broken Cord
This moving memoir by single father Michael Dorris chronicles life with his adopted son Adam, who had FASD and significant developmental delays. Believing love and nurture would be enough, Dorris candidly shares the daily frustrations, his own struggles with anger, and the moments of pride, hope, and enduring love. Written in the late 1990s, before much was known about FASD interventions, it reflects the challenges of that time but remains a poignant, heartfelt account of parenting with love against the odds.
Fantastic Antone Succeeds: Experiences in Educating Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fantastic Antone Grows Up: Adolescents and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fantastic Antone Succeeds and its sequel Fantastic Antone Grows Up, edited by Judith Kleinfeld, share practical strategies for raising and educating children, teens, and young adults with FASD. Drawing on research, expert insights, and family experiences, the books offer concrete tools for school and home, stories of real-life challenges, and proven approaches to help alcohol-affected individuals thrive. From early education to adolescence and adulthood, these volumes provide optimism, honesty, and resources for families, educators, and communities supporting those with FASD.
The Best I Can Be: Living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Effects
In The Best I Can Be, Liz Kulp—born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome—shares her story alongside her adoptive mother, Jodee. Told partly in Liz’s own words and partly through her mother’s perspective, the book recounts their family’s journey, the challenges of securing a diagnosis, and the realities of living with FAS. With honesty, hope, and practical resources, it offers invaluable guidance and encouragement for families raising a child affected by prenatal alcohol exposure.
The Silent Epidemic: A Child Psychiatrist’s Journey Beyond Death Row
In The Silent Epidemic, Dr. Susan Rich examines the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure, the leading preventable cause of birth defects and neurodevelopmental disorders. Focusing on its prevalence among juveniles accused of violent crimes, she highlights the urgent need for accurate diagnosis and treatment. While addressing sobering realities, Rich also offers hope—showing that with proper support, individuals with ND-PAE can avoid cycles of incarceration, addiction, and lost potential, and instead build healthier, more stable futures.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Guide for Families and Communities
Dr. Ann Streissguth, a pioneering researcher in FASD, offers one of the best starting points for understanding the disorder in this practical, accessible guide. Drawing on decades of research, she translates complex science into clear insights parents and professionals can apply in everyday life. Easy to read yet deeply informative, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone raising—or considering adopting—a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. A true gem for both learning and support.
They Call Me CAT
This three-part story follows Joshua, a transracial adoptee prenatally exposed to alcohol, as he and his family navigate the lifelong effects of undiagnosed FASD. Facing emotional, cognitive, and social challenges, Joshua also wrestles with identity and understanding his past. With honesty and hope, the book shows how his family created a circle of support around him. A moving story of survival, love, and resilience—suitable for both adult and young adult readers.
Tinderbox: One Family’s Story of Adoption, Neurodiversity, and Fierce Love
Based on real-life experiences, this memoir follows an adoptive mother and her family as they raise Clare, their neurodivergent daughter. After years of struggle, they discovered Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model—a strengths-based approach that reframes challenges and celebrates neurodiversity. Honest and hopeful, the book shares a journey of brokenness, resilience, and love. A moving resource for parents raising children with brain differences from prenatal substance exposure.
Executive Functioning Superpowers: Inclusive Strategies That Embrace Neurodiversity at Home and in the Classroom
Executive functioning skills—organization, task completion, flexible thinking—are vital for learning and daily life, yet often difficult for children with prenatal substance exposure, ADHD, autism, and other neurodiverse conditions. This parent- and teacher-friendly guide offers practical strategies, tools, and engaging activities to strengthen these skills while reducing stress. With games, apps, and resources to motivate even reluctant learners, it provides supportive ways to build independence and confidence. An encouraging, hands-on resource for families and educators alike.
Raising Kids and Teens with FASD: Advice and Strategies to Help Your Family to Thrive!
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a hidden brain injury that can cause challenging behaviors and make traditional parenting strategies ineffective. In this compassionate and practical guide, adoptive parent and FASD trainer Barb Clark shares what she’s learned from raising her own child with FASD—what worked, what didn’t, and what can help your family thrive. With clear explanations, relatable stories, and real-world strategies, this book is an essential read for parents, caregivers, and professionals supporting kids with FASD.
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