Strengths in the Spotlight

Shining Through is an 18-minute film showcasing the strengths and talents of two middle school students in BC, one from right here in Abbotsford.  The film highlights an FASD-informed approach that educators can adopt and cultivate.  This story shares the simple truth that when we build from our strengths, we all experience more success. 

Much of the research on students with diverse abilities have been highly focused on deficits and needs. This approach included the identification of a problem and then ways to fix or remediate the concern.  Although it is important to understand the physical and neurological impact of various diagnoses within the context of areas requiring support, cultivating individual strengths is equally (or perhaps more) important when holistically supporting individuals to achieve positive life outcomes.  Current studies based on revealing and cultivating strengths provide necessary and timely information to assist in creating a more balanced approach to supporting students with exceptionalities. 

_{Adapted with permission from POPFASD Newsletter November 2022}

WENDY COSTELLO, DISTRICT LSS HELPING TEACHING
CORE, LSS Department