What is FAS?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
If you feel confused about all the information about FASD, you are not alone. This condition
has undergone many changes since 1979, when the first publications began being shared in the U.S. Part of the reason for the changes is because of continuing research that has added to our understanding of what prenatal exposure to alcohol can do to the developing brain.
We now consider there to be a spectrum, thus, the umbrella title of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. FASD is not a diagnosis, but a method of communicating brain impairment that is caused by exposure to alcohol.
FASD Symptoms
Symptoms
Mood Swings
- Impulsive and uninhibited
- Passive and with drawn one minute, switching to volatile temper tantrums the next.
- Unpredictable; may need 24 hour supervision
Defensive and Stubborn
- Unable (not unwilling) to accept responsibility
- Self-centered; behave as if the world revolves around them
- Always having to have their own way and willing to do anything to have it
- Demand and expect immediate gratification.
- Skilled at shifting blame
- Engaging and charismatic yet creative at reframing reality (lying stealing, etc.)
Lack of Self Discipline
- Moral chameleons; excessive vulnerability to peer influence.
- Hyperactive in non-goal directed activity.
- Unable to stay focused on task, ie to follow rules, finish household chores, school assignments or keep commitments.
- Shortsighted
- Impulsive sexually (aggressive or vulnerable)
Genuine Innocence and Detached Attitude
- Toward the predicaments they get themselves and their families into.
- Toward authority when caught breaking the rules of society.
- Toward their behavior and consequences.
Learn More
Behavioral Trait Survey (for adults)
This screener was designed for adults affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol. Rate your responses to each item. This is not a diagnostic tool, but provides information about whether the person meets the behavioral profile of those with FASD.