Lev Vygotsky And Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Extreme alcohol consumption during pregnancy results in a child being born with a condition called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The alcohol consumed by the expectant mother is considered a teratogen, which is any substance that can impair cognitive and behavioral outcomes (Santrock, 2013, p. 69). Symptoms of FAS vary but include birth defects, decreased growth, learning, and behavioral issues just to name a few (“Alcohol Effects on a Fetus-Topic Overview,” 2015, para. 3). The impact alcohol has on the fetus in utero lasts a lifetime for a child diagnosed with FAS. Society today places a high value on education and goal achievement, and a child entering first grade has so much to learn. These six-year-olds are taught reading, writing, and …show more content…
Vygotsky believed that two other factors have a significant impact on cognitive development, and these two influences are a child’s “culture and social interaction” (Santrock, 2013, p. 25). This idea reflects how a child in one country would develop differently due to this child’s experience versus a child from a more modern culture. The other factor, social interaction, also proves to be important. A country that uses technology makes a broader difference in a child’s learning than a country that does not even have access to textbooks. Positive social interaction bolsters learning for any student. A child who is encouraged and supported, in a healthy way, will often try harder and be less fearful of failure. However, children with FAS are still going to be limited by the severity of their syndrome. The social interactions are crucial to how these children view the learning experience, but children who are encouraged may be more willing to overcome struggles presented to them, even though they are still limited to their ultimate abilities. Positive social interactions improve the attitudes of children who have limited abilities by increasing their self-esteem. Improved self-esteem supports a happier and healthy