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.
A person living with FASD might have:
- Low body weight
- Poor coordination
- Hyperactive behavior
- Difficulty with attention
- Poor memory
- Difficulty in school
- Learning disabilities
- Speech and language delays
- Intellectual disability or low IQ
- Poor reasoning and judgment skills
- Sleep and sucking problems
- Vision or hearing problems
- Heart, kidney, or bones problems
- Shorter-than-average height
- Small head size
- Abnormal facial features
Free online screening
San Diego State University Center for Behavioral Teratology has developed a new web-based screening tool , BRAIN-Online, that assesses cognitive and behavioral features known to be associated with FASD