Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a complex developmental disability that affects a child exposed to alcohol prenatally. In the US, the prevalence is as high as 1 in 20 children who have this condition. With a lack of awareness and understanding, many misconceptions and myths persist, including its impact on mental health. I’d like to shatter these myths and shed light on FASD realities and the layers to the challenges they face.
Myth #1:
FASD is a childhood disorder that people outgrow.
Reality:
FASD is a lifelong condition. Their cognitive and behavioral symptoms persist throughout life and will require ongoing support and understanding as they navigate life's complexities.
Myth #2:
All individuals with FASD have intellectual disabilities.
Reality:
FASD affects each person differently. While some may have lower IQs, others score within the average range and others can score exceptional on intelligence tests. The reality is, IQ scores often don't reflect the full range of challenges they face, such as difficulties with impulse control (often gets them in trouble), their lack of ability to manage their emotions and social interactions raise concerns, but as I interact with parents, it’s our kiddos lack of adaptive skills that are the hardest challenges, especially when they are smart.
Image from @anastasiiachepinska on Unsplash
Myth #3:
Mental health issues in FASD are due to poor parenting.
Reality:
The behavioral and mental health challenges associated with this condition are primarily rooted in brain wiring caused from alcohol exposure during pregnancy. These neuroanatomy differences create a host of issues, including information processing issues, memory difficulties, and sensory sensitivities, which may manifest as emotional and behavioral problems. Think “Can’t” verses “Won’t” and you will go much further in your relationships. When my wife and I made this shift with our son, the chaos in the home went way down and our son’s mental health improved.
Myth #4:
FASD only affects certain populations.
Reality:
Alcohol is embraced and consumed during pregnancy in almost all cultures, ethnic and social-economic settings.
Myth #5:
Individuals with FASD don't benefit from mental health interventions.
Reality:
While traditional therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Theory (CBT) is not effective, people with FASD can indeed benefit from mental health support. Interventions, like Theory of Mind (ToM) which focus on building adaptive skills and 4 functional capacity can help mitigate and prevent the onset and exacerbation of mental health problems by addressing underlying neurocognitive challenges. FASDs are linked to a staggering 428 comorbidities and co-occurring conditions. These 5 includes, (but are not limited to) depression, anxiety, an elevated risk of substance use disorders, and suicidal ideation. Due to the intricate nature of FASD and its associated conditions, it is imperative to engage with appropriate, specialized interventions. Missteps in treatment can exacerbate mental health issues, especially considering that nearly 90% of people with FASD are often misdiagnosed with just one co-occurring condition. Tailored interventions are crucial to effectively address the mental health challenges. We thought our son was oppositional defiant and struggled with depression until we obtained the right diagnosis assessment and changed our parenting approach. This helped us find appropriate interventions, began to understand how he was wired from prenatal alcohol exposure, and start focusing on his strengths and abilities (there are challenges) which changed his trajectory and reduced the chaos in our home. The reality is, mental health issues are prevalent among those who have been impacted by alcohol during pregnancy, not just the behaviors.
Joel Sheagren is the proud father of a 21 year old son with FASD. He and his wife adopted both of their children from birth knowing there was alcohol use during the pregnancies. Since their son’s diagnoses seven years ago, he has become a national FASD advocate. Joel is also a filmmaker and using his media production experience to address this condition on several fronts, since it is very hidden and misunderstood. His current project “Embraced” is leveraging entertainment, awareness, and education aspects. He is also co-authoring a caregiver’s book series. Book one will be published later this year.
