Living with FASD

Every person with FASD will have their own unique strengths and challenges.

Every person with FASD will have strengths and difficulties in different areas. This depends on the parts of the brain that have been most damaged by exposure to alcohol. There is no ‘one size fits all’ for people with FASD and not everyone will experience the same difficulties.

FASD is often referred to as an ‘invisible disability’ as many people with FASD do not display distinctive facial features (known as sentinel facial features).

We know that with the right support, people with FASD can go on to find their passion and thrive, but it’s important for the people around them to realise that their brain works differently.

Common strengths and areas of enjoyment reported by people with FASD and their families include:

Being very loving, affectionate, generous
Will do anything for anyone, helpful
Very creative
Musical
Good at sport – football, basketball, gymnastics
Like mechanics and building
Love technology

Common challenges reported by people with FASD and their families include:

Babies and young children with FASD may have:

Poor sucking reflexes
Poor sleep patterns
Irritability
Cry often or very quiet and not responsive
Strong startle reflex
Sensory problems (sound, light, touch, smell)
Problems with toileting

Children and young people with FASD may have:

Low IQ (not necessarily an intellectual disability with an IQ less than 70)
Social and behavioural problems
Delayed development
Inability to connect past experiences with present action
Repeating the same actions or behaviours in the absence of a rationale for that behaviour or emotion
May seem competent and agree but not understand
Have a short attention span
Poor memory
Difficulty with organising and scheduling
Difficulty with abstract concepts
Difficulty with maths, time and money
Slow cognitive and auditory pace
Impaired judgment and impulsivity
Poor language and communication skills
Experience sensory problems

Resource

FASD and the Judiciary

Resource

FASD Action Plan DoH

Resource

FASD – Youth

Without support, impairments can lead to:

Although supports and services may have been provided, not all will be successful. Some people will struggle more than others and despite all the best efforts, for some problems will be ongoing throughout childhood, adolescence and into adulthood.

Issues at school and other education facilities (as a result of problems with inattention, maths, memory and lower IQ)
Multiple foster care placements
Reduced self-esteem and depression
Social exclusion and vulnerability
Inappropriate sexual behaviour (victim and perpetrator)
Problems with alcohol and other drugs
Difficulty planning, setting goals, being on time and complying with child protection or legal obligations
Inability to live independently
Unemployment
Poverty
Trouble with the law

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Acknowledgement of Country

FASD Hub Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia, and we recognise their connections to land, water and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.