Carl Young, Bismarck

We need to engage in conversation and action regarding “behaviors” in school.

A recent Fargo Forum letter to the editor from Jerry Barnum states in part, “Rigorous behavior standards enforced with meaningful consequences will remove the perpetrators and restore order.” I think that it is more than that. We need to understand that some “behaviors” aren’t behaviors at all, rather they are symptoms.

Now before you cry foul, hear me out.

One in twenty children are affected by a condition called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). In our First Nation Communities the number is closer to one in seventeen. What is FASD? According to FASD United, this is what it is: “Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with lifelong implications. The term FASD is not intended for use as a clinical diagnosis.”

Alcohol consumed during the pregnancy is more harmful than drugs on the developing fetus.

We need to understand the issue before we demand a solution.

A small part of the solution is identifying that there is a very good chance that every classroom in the state of North Dakota will have at least one child with this disorder. Like Autism Spectrum Disorder, FASD exists not as any one symptom, rather it is a combination of symptoms, and every person with FASD presents differently. It is a brain-based disability. You can’t fix the disability with discipline or prison.

I am not saying that we need to build special schools for these kids, I am saying that we need to meet them where they are. This is done through services and support. Both teachers, and students need support.

What other things can be done? Education, pregnancy planning and screening of all children entering foster-care for any reason. In addition, we need training for foster parents at least annually on FASD. Why?

Most kids with this disorder, not all, but most, are adopted from foster-care, either here in the states or abroad from orphanages. The parents need support long term to help their children and families be served in the home and community. This all requires funding. I encourage each of us to contact our legislators and ask them to support FASD legislation during the coming session.

There will be several bills introduced this session at the state level in North Dakota. Nationally, there is the FASD Respect Act that we are actively working to get through committee and on to a vote. As a society, we need to do better for the next generation.