Butterfield, Stephen [PRESENTATION]

A research project to explore the maths curriculum access for learners with

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) at KS3 and 4

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a disability caused by alcohol consumption

during pregnancy. Neuroscience shows that the teratogenic effects o f alcohol o n the

brain in utero significantly affect the parietal lobe, which is the brain's centre for

numeracy and mathematical calculation. Although there has been some progress i n

educating children with FASD, very little research appears to have been conducted in the

UK on access to the maths curriculum for pupils with FASD, especially at KS3 and KS4.

FASD is not a condition recorded a t birth, s o the actual number of affected pupils

remains unknown. Studies suggest it could impact around 3 % o f the school population.

It is one o f several complex needs and falls within the Special Educational Needs and

Disabilities (SEND) spectrum.

I will outline the design o f a small-scale research project that will serve a s m y pilot study

before starting my EdD thesis. Parents of children with FASD often form support groups

t o share information on obtaining a diagnosis, an EHCP, and school placements. It will

be through one of these groups that I plan t o identify the children and where they are

learning. Although the condition is neurologically based, m y focus remains on teaching

and learning. My research will aim to identify effective approaches used by teachers and

other practitioners.