FASD Virginia

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Diagnosis and Lifespan Impact

What is FASD?

Fetal alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) rom mild to severe. Prenatal alcohol exposure can have lifelong impacts on behavior, learning, and health. It presents differently in each individual, but always affects brain function, behavior, learning, and physical health to varying degrees.

Diagnosis of FASD

FASD is a clinical diagnosis made based on a comprehensive assessment. It requires a multidisciplinary approach, often involving pediatricians, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other specialists.

Key components of diagnosis typically include:

  • Confirmed or suspected prenatal alcohol exposure
  • Neurodevelopmental assessment across multiple domains (e.g., cognition, language, motor skills, executive function, social skills)
  • Physical features (in some cases): facial anomalies, growth deficiencies, and central nervous system differences
  • Exclusion of other possible causes of the individual’s challenges

Note: Many individuals with FASD do not display the classic physical features, making diagnosis more difficult and reliant on neurodevelopmental and behavioral assessments.

Lifespan Impact of FASD

FASD is a lifelong condition. While symptoms may change over time, challenges persist and supports must evolve with the individual’s developmental stage.

Infancy and Early Childhood
(0–5 years)

  • Symptoms: Irritability, feeding difficulties, sleep disturbances, delayed developmental milestones
  • Needs: Early intervention (speech, OT, PT), secure and consistent caregiving, sensory regulation strategies

For Families & Providers: Early diagnosis can drastically improve long-term outcomes. Supportive parenting, routine, and early therapies are essential.

School-Aged Children
(6–12 years)

  • Symptoms: Learning disabilities, impulsivity, attention deficits, poor memory, difficulties with social skills and transitions
  • Needs: IEPs or 504 plans, classroom accommodations, social skills training, behavior supports, consistent structure
 

For Teachers: Children may not “learn from consequences” or appear oppositional due to impaired executive function—not intentional misbehavior.

Adolescence (13–18 years)

  • Symptoms: Increased risk-taking, poor judgment, emotional dysregulation, difficulties with abstract thinking, vulnerability to peer influence
  • Needs: Life skills training, mentoring, mental health support, harm-reduction education, transition planning
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For Therapists & Families: Teens with FASD are at higher risk for secondary conditions like anxiety, depression, substance use, and legal involvement. Supervision and guided decision-making remain crucial.

Adulthood (18+ years)

  • Symptoms: Difficulty with employment, money management, relationships, and independence; mental health challenges; risk of justice system involvement
  • Needs: Supported living or job coaching, adult disability services, structured environments, ongoing advocacy
 

For Providers: Adults may continue to struggle with executive function, social judgment, and adaptive behavior. Many require lifelong support even if they appear “high functioning.”

Final Thoughts

FASD is often misunderstood and underdiagnosed. Recognizing the signs, understanding the brain-based nature of the condition, and providing lifespan, wraparound support can make a profound difference in the quality of life for individuals with FASD and their families.