On this year’s International FASD Day, 9 September, Kehitysvammaliitto launched the campaign Hei ope! to raise awareness among teachers that, on average, every classroom may have a child or young person with FASD. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are more common than conditions like autism or cerebral palsy, yet often go unnoticed or undiagnosed. Although prevalence has not been studied in Finland, rates of alcohol use during pregnancy are similar to those in other Western countries, where research shows higher levels of occurrence.

Children and young people with FASD need individualised support at school. Their developmental age is typically younger than their chronological age, and the gap can become more challenging as they move up in grades. Strengths and difficulties vary from one child to another, but common issues include memory, attention, and planning, while many show strengths in areas such as art, music, and practical skillsfasd-huoneentaulu-kehityksellin…fasd-huoneentaulu-hyva-tietaa-01. Importantly, the need for support does not fade with age, and often becomes even more crucial during the transition to further studiesfasd-huoneentaulu-hyva-tietaa-01.

The campaign provides teachers with practical tips and colourful posters that can be used in classrooms and staff rooms. Advice includes creating daily routines, giving instructions one step at a time, using visual aids, repeating information, and maintaining a consistent and calm environmentfasd-huoneentaulu-vinkkeja-opet…. A child’s voice is also highlighted in the material “Mulla on FASD,” which explains in simple words what helps them learn: extra time, short breaks, clear guidance, and social supportfasd-huoneentaulu-mulla-on-fasd…. These resources are designed not only for teachers but also for parents supporting their children at home.

All campaign materials, including the short animation Tietäisipä ope tämän FASDista (“If only the teacher knew this about FASD”), can be accessed via Kehitysvammaliitto’s FASD page and Verneri.net. By sharing the posts and materials, teachers, parents, and the wider community can help make FASD more widely recognised and better understood. International FASD Day serves as a reminder that there is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy, and that full abstinence is the only way to protect the unborn child.

Learn more from Kehitysvammaliitto (Finland, September 2025)