This week (19th – 25th October) is Invisible Disabilities week. This week aims to shine a light on conditions and disabilities you can’t always see – including neurological, cognitive, mental health, chronic, autoimmune, and sensory conditions. Around 80% of disabilities are invisible, one of which is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
FASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. During pregnancy, alcohol crosses the placenta and into the fetus’ bloodstream. Alcohol harms brain development and nourishment of the fetus, causing lifelong effects.
An ‘Invisible Disability’
The effects of FASD are primarily neurological. While FASD is commonly associated with distinctive facial features, less than 10% of people with FASD have this trait. Distinctive characteristics of FASD are also rarely noticeable at birth. Many of the challenges associated with FASD do not become apparent until a child reaches school age, when learning, behaviour, executive function, memory and social difficulties become more noticeable.
Characteristics of FASD:
- Brain damage: The underlyingcause of FASD is brain injury from prenatal slcohol exposure, which is not visible.
- Behavioural challenges: Individuals with FASD can struggle with emotional regulation, executive functions like planning and problem-solving, and impulse control.
- Learning difficulties: There may be deficits in adaptive skills, memory, comprehension, and the ability to generalise learned information to new situations.
- Social issues: Social issues – Individuals may have difficulty understanding social rules, taking turns in conversation, or connecting with others.
Misdiagnosis
FASD is frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked, with symptoms easily misattributed to other conditions such as autism, ADHD, or behavioural disorders. Children’s challenges and behaviour may also be stereotyped as being the cause of poor parenting, lack of discipline, or a child being “naughty”, instead of prenatal alcohol exposure.
FASD vs ASD and ADHD: Similarities
- Neurodevelopment Origin: All three are considered neurodevelopment conditions, meaning they affect brain development and function.
- Attention and Executive Function: Individuals with FASD, ADHD, and ASD often struggle with attention, impulsivity, planning, problem-solving, and self-control.
- Social and Behavioural Difficulties: Social interaction challenges and behavioural issues are common across all three.
- High Co-occurence: Sensory difficulties may be present in both FASD and ASD.
FASD vs ASD and ADHD: Differences
- Brain Function: FASD is characterised by lifelong brain and functional changes, whereas ASD involves persistent deficits in social communication and interaction and restricted, repetitive behaviours.
- Early Stages: Children with FASD often present with early-onset ADHD with predominant inattentive symptoms.
- Social presentation: Individuals with FASD may be more indiscriminately friendly and struggle with boundaries, whereas those with ASD often appear aloof or uninterested in social interactions.
- Prominent issues: FASD involves more prominent issues with memory, motor skills, and executive function than ADHD.
- Non-verbal gestures: FASD children can better use gestures and nonverbal communication to interact and demonstrate empathy and use a wider range of facial expressions than ASD.
- Stimulation: FASD people typically have trouble with overstimulation, whereas ADHD typically has trouble with under-stimulation.
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower is a way for people to voluntarily share that they have a non-visible disability. It was created to encourage acceptance, inclusivity and understanding, and let others know that you may need extra support.
Click here to learn more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower.
Staying FASD-Informed
It is critical for service providers – healthcare professionals, social workers and educators – to remain FASD-informed. Without FASD training, FASD will continue to be misdiagnosed and overlooked. Effective support requires individualised and evidence-based approach – simply knowing about FASD is not enough.
For parents and caregivers, be proactive and seek out advice. If you have concerns about prenatal alcohol expire or developmental delays, educate yourself and seek professional help early. Do not fear judgement if you have concerns about the effects of alcohol exposure during your pregnancy.
Resources
NoFASD Australia – Natonal Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Patches Diagnosis and Support
At Patches, we understand the importance of timely access to the right support. Our FASD assessments are comprehensive and clear, and our one-day process is conducted by a team of expert paediatricians, psychologists, and allied health professionals specialising in neurodevelopmental conditions.
For more information about FASD diagnostic assessments and support at Patches, visit here or contact our friendly team at 1300 111 728 or email hello@patches.com.au