Teachers' needs for an FASD-informed resource: a qualitative interview needs assessment based on the ADAPT-ITT framework.

BACKGROUND

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) represent a wide range of neurodevelopmental differences associated with prenatal alcohol exposure and are highly prevalent. The current study represents the initial stages in adapting the Families Moving Forward (FMF) Program, an evidence-based behavioral consultation intervention for caregivers of children with FASD, to a website for teachers.

AIMS: To understand teachers' needs and preferences for an FASD-informed intervention website and to assess the goodness of fit of the FMF Program to teachers and the school setting.

METHODS

Twenty-three teachers with experience teaching students with FASD were interviewed. Interviews were conducted via Zoom and lasted about 53 minutes on average. Data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using qualitative content analysis in Dedoose.

RESULTS

Three overarching themes represented teachers' needs for an FASD-informed resource: teachers need evidence-based FASD information and strategies, teachers have very little extra time, and the needs of special and general education teachers vary. Teachers were positive about the concepts of the FMF Program and felt they would have good fit.

CONCLUSIONS

Teachers need an evidence-based FASD-informed intervention that is easy to use, concise, and responsive to varying needs and levels of experience. Results will inform the adaptation process of the FMF Program.