FASD Facts and Common Misconceptions

FASD Facts

FASD impacts approximately 4% of Canadians.
FASD impacts more people in Canada than Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and Down syndrome combined.
It is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb.
Individuals with FASD are known for having a number of different strengths, including being friendly, likeable, affectionate, determined, hard-working, forgiving, non-judgemental and caring.
90% of individuals with FASD also experience mental health issues.
The social and economic cost of FASD in Canada is estimated to be $1.8 billion annually.
Individuals with FASD achieve positive outcomes if their needs and challenges are addressed early on in life and they have access to supports that carry into adulthood.
Referenced from CanFASD, www.CanFASD.ca
FASD is commonly underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Conduct Disorder (Stevens S, Nash K, Koren G, Rovet J. Autism Characteristics in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Child Neuropsychology. 2013;2(3):219-227)

Common Misconceptions

Behaviour	What We May Think	What’s Actually Happening
Non-compliance	– Doing it on purpose/willful misconduct – Seeking attention – Stubborn	– Difficulty translating verbal directions into action – Doesn’t understand
Repeats the same mistakes	– Doing it on purpose/willful misconduct – Not trying – Manipulative	– Unable to link cause and effect – Unable to see similarities – Difficulty generalizing
Unable to sit still/Not paying attention	– Doing it on purpose/willful misconduct – Lazy, unmotivated – Doesn’t care – Seeking attention – Bothering others, disruptive	– Neurologically-based need to move while learning – Experiencing sensory overload – Exhausted or tired of failing – Learning style is inconsistent with teaching strategies
Not completing tasks	– Doing it on purpose/willful misconduct – Intentionally ignoring instructions – Lazy, unfocused, avoiding – Work refusal	– Difficulties transitioning between tasks – Struggles to organize steps and mental tasks – Memory impairments
Poor social interactions	– Poor parenting – May have experienced trauma – Disruptive	– Unable to interpret social cues – Does not know what to do in social settings – Difficulty with impulse control
Overly physical	– Doing it on purpose /willful misconduct – Violent – Disruptive, deviant	– Hyper- or hypo-sensitive to touch – Does not understand social cues or personal boundaries
Not responding	– Deliberate ignoring – Being disrespectful – Poor attitude	– Slow processing speed – Difficulty with verbal comprehension – Hearing impairment
Stealing/Lying	– Deliberate dishonesty – Lack of conscience – Poor parenting	– Unable to understand concept of ownership over time and space – Immature thinking (finders keepers) – Memory and sequencing difficulties – Unable to accurately recall events – Tries to please by telling you what they think you want to hear
Meltdowns	– Inappropriate – Immature – Disobedient – Seeking attention	– Experiencing sensory overload – Overwhelmed – Fatigued – Poor fit between environment and their needs

Adapted from Diane Malbin