“The most outstanding characteristics of FASD are bad judgment & the inability to make the connection between an act & its consequences”

The majority of individuals impacted by FASD have no physical signs of prenatal alcohol exposure but because brain functions are impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure, they can struggle with developmental delays, memory problems, poor judgment, impulsivity, executive functioning, modulating emotions, social competencies, sensory difficulties, and adaptive functioning.   

By understanding neurobehavioral conditions, such as FASD, as brain-based disabilities, we can focus on connecting brain functioning (ex: executive functioning challenge) with behavioral manifestations (ex: difficulties regulating and impulsivity). This approach increases new perspectives, expands options, and lowers frustration.

Although no two people experience the same,  A person living with FASD might have: 

• Executive functioning: Impulsivity, planning, starting & completing tasks, organization, adapting to changes, inhibitory control and time management can be challenging. 

• Attention: Maintaining focus, such as during school, work, or homework, can be difficult for extended periods.

• Emotional regulation: Feelings can be very strong, and it may take effort to manage them.

• Behavior: Restlessness, frequent movement, or difficulty sitting still may occur.

• Abstract reasoning: Understanding ideas that aren’t concrete, such as love or fairness, may be more difficult.

• Reasoning and judgment skills: Making safe choices or understanding consequences can be tough without extra guidance.

• Generalization: Applying skills or knowledge learned in one situation to a different situation may be challenging. 

• Processing information: Understanding, remembering, or learning new information may require more time or different approaches. 

• Sensory processing: Sensory inputs such as sounds, lights, taste, smell, touch, and movement can sometimes feel overwhelming or uncomfortable.

• Social skills: Forming connections and interacting with others may be harder, and understanding emotions or joining conversations can be challenging.

• Speech and language Challenges: Developing speech or understanding and using language may take longer.

• Poor coordination: Balance or fine motor skills may be affected.

• Poor memory: Remembering instructions, routines, or new information can take extra effort.

•Difficulty in school: School tasks may be harder due to challenges with learning, memory, or attention.

• Sleep and Eating: Sleep challenges or feeding issues can occur, especially in early childhood.

• Vision or hearing problems: Eyes or ears may need extra care or support from specialists.

• Heart, kidney, or bone problems: Physical differences in organ or bone development may also occur.

 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that includes a spectrum of disorders associated with prenatal alcohol exposure and is based on specific symptoms: 

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) which includes prenatal alcohol exposure, facial features, growth anomalies, CNS anomalies, and neurobehavioral impairment.

Partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS)  requires confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure, facial features, and neurobehavioral impairment - or- if no confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure, facial features, neurobehavioral impairment and growth anomalies OR CNS anomalies.

Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) requires confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure and neurobehavioral impairment.

Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD) requires confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure and at least one major malformation/defect of the cardiac, renal, eye, ear or skeletal system.  

Early diagnosis and interventions significantly improve the long-term outcomes for families & children with FASDs.
 

There is no cure for FASD, but there are protective factors that reduce the secondary characteristics and tertiary effects of FASD and improve overall functioning and adaptability to help reach full potential. ( (Streissguth et al 2004; O'Connor et all 2006). 

Protective factors include :  

• Early Diagnosis 
•  Access to Appropriate Social Services & Special Education 
• Nurturing & Stable Home environment 
• Absence of Violence
• Parent Resilience and skills to meet child's development needs
• Social Connections
• Concrete Supports
• Social & Emotional Competence

Understanding one size does not fit all, parents, caregivers, and educators must learn about the specific ways an individual’s brain is impacted by FASD in order to provide the best support and approaches for the individual’s well-being.     Learn more about FASD with recorded webinars from The FASD Collaborative.   

Learn more about ways to support an individual living with FASD  with our resource list.