50 Facts about FASD
Click each fact to get an image and more information.
- FASD = fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
- FASDs impact 2-5% of the population.
- 99% of people with an FASD are undiagnosed.
- FASD is an invisible, PHYSICAL disability.
- FASD includes primary and secondary characteristics.
- Diagnosis AND Understanding prevent poor outcomes.
- We accommodate the brain differences caused by FASD.
- Slower processing speed is a primary characteristic of FASD.
- Executive functioning difficulties are a primary characteristic of FASD.
- Sensory differences are a primary characteristic of FASD.
- Up days and down days are common for people with FASDs.
- Perseveration is a common difficulty for people with an FASD.
- Change the environment (not the person.)
- Confabulation is not lying.
- Involvement with Developmental Disability Services helps prevent poor outcomes, yet a diagnosis on the FASD spectrum does not qualify a person for involvement with DDS.
- Developmental dysmaturity is a primary characteristic of FASD.
- Impulsivity is a symptom of FASD.
- Problems with memory are a primary characteristic of FASD.
- People with FASDs and their families need FASD informed support systems.
- FASD-informed support adapts to client needs.
- A primary characteristic of FASD is difficulty with abstraction.
- Visual-spatial deficits are a primary characteristic of FASD.
- The average life expectancy of people with FASDs is 34 years old
- Difficulty with emotional regulation is a primary characteristic of FASD.
- Differing needs around nutrition and food are a common symptom for people with FASDs.
- A strengths-based approach is the best way to help people with FASDs.
- People with FASD are much more than their differences.
- Children with FASDs grow up to be adults with FASDs…and a lot of other things!
- Families impacted by FASD recognize amazing qualities in their loved ones.
- Multiple, systems-level barriers are in place that prevent better understanding for people impacted by FASDs.
- Facial features dysmorphology is the commonly recognized symptom of FASD, yet it occurs in a minority of individuals with FASD. This creates a barrier to diagnosis, supports, and services.
- Caregivers of people with FASDs experience high levels of stress and burnout.
- Shame and stigma around alcohol use during pregnancy is a barrier to care for people living with FASDs.
- Myths like “nothing works for people with FASDs” create barriers to care.
- Seeing FASD as “just” a behavior problem prevents access to appropriate supports.
- Everyone connected to a person with an FASD needs to be FASD informed.
- Myths about the women who give birth to children with FASD prevent awareness, proper diagnosis, and support for people with FASDS.
- Many behavioral symptoms of FASD are due to a combination of differing brain functions.
- How FASD happens and what alcohol exposure does to the developing brain is well documented.
- The brains of people with FASD are less “plastic’ than the brains of neurotypical people.
- FASD is not a mental illness.
- People with FASD are at risk for victimization, scapegoating, and false confessions.
- Lack of caregiver support impacts FASD awareness and advocacy.
- FASD is a spectrum disorder.
- Shifting from won’t to can’t is a crucial change for people and families impacted by FASDs.
- Always think brain.
- Millions of people are living with FASD.