P A R E N T   T O   P A R E N T

Training Manual
To Help Others Understand, Support and Protect My FASD Child

by Deanna Pavlove in Calgary, Canada. 
deanna.pavlove@fss.gov.ab.ca

I developed a  "Training Manual" to help new people teaching, supporting, coaching or working with my roommate gain insight in managing and understanding her challenges. This manual is for both adults and children.. 

1. Print out each of the 10 sections or simply copy the pages and paste them into your word processing document and type in special information for your own child. 

   1. Behaviors:  personal safety/ in-home and community

   2. Household Management: tasks; expectations; successful approaches; daily/ weekly schedule etc. 

   3. Social: interpersonal & interactive skills; social/leisure schedule; likes/ dislikes; interests etc.

   4. Problem Solving & Decision Making: specific support needed; process/steps used; successful approaches.

   5. Communication: how to speak effectively with my child; short/simple steps/expectations; reminders to check back if she forgets tasks; staying focused/ on topic; consistent info sharing between all ie: work/ social/relief persons/ Special Olympic coaches etc..

   6. What to do if..? This section gives specific examples of problems/behaviors that (child/adult) experiences ongoing and what to do/ how to react if and when they occur. This is very important as (child/adult) receives consistent reactions from all.

   7. Transportation: how and what time my child travels; exact bus route info; when she's expected home; cannot travel alone at night etc..

   8. Health/ Nutrition: doctor phone number; any current health concerns; amount of condiments; manners; reminders to eat; nutritional meals/ snacks etc.

   9. Emergency Phone Numbers: have available current list/who to call if..?; also have the list in her wallet ( photocopy and laminate as they sometimes get lost)

   10. Hygiene: support required; reminders/ supervision to ensure shower; clean/appropriate clothes; deodorant; brush teeth etc.  

2. Three hole punch pages and keep them in a 3 ring notebook or get one of those inexpensive paper pocket folders with paper clasps and make a number of them at one time for easy handouts to teachers, coaches, extended family etc..

Under all sections I list specific examples and appropriate responses to utilize. I list detailed info regarding the level of support and/ or supervision required in all situations. I strongly encourage all supports are to be provided to my daughter in the most "respectful and adult like manner" as possible.

Initially, it seems like a large undertaking however, it has been an invaluable tool for persons working with my daughter. New people are usually not "surprised" and know how to react and provide appropriate support. You are welcome to change this to fit your own situation and change whatever "headings/sections" that you wish. This manual could be developed for adults or children. You need to remember to update and add changes ongoing to the manual. I also include research and specific documentation related to FAS/E. All and all it has been very helpful.

Best wishes with your own child and have a nice day!

Deanna in Calgary,AB

The idea for this "How To" book for your child comes from a "Training Manual" developed by Deanna Pavlove in Calgary, Canada. (deanna.pavlove@fss.gov.ab.ca). Deanna generously gave permission for us to use her idea to develop similar custom-designed manuals for each individual who receives care by others either inside or outside of the home. This is useful for all ages, students as well as individuals in agency or community settings. Use of the term "child" here refers to a son or daughter of any age, from infancy to adulthood.