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Over 30 years of research has found FASD to be a physical brain-based disability that is usually invisible. In most cases, primary and secondary behavioural characteristics are the only indicators of underlying brain dysfunction. Primary behaviours reflect brain dysfunction, e.g., memory problems, inconsistent performance, slow auditory or cognitive processing pace, delayed maturity in some areas, difficulty with abstract thinking, predicting or generalizing.
Secondary defensive behavioural symptoms include: chronic frustration, failure or exhaustion, irritability, anger, anxiety, shut down, aggression and others. Secondary defensive behaviours may be prevented and interventions are possible by adapting environments to achieve a better fit.
Tertiary symptoms reflect the cumulative effect of chronic frustration and failure and are often preventable.
Differences in brain function are not the problem. Each brain works differently, and we are each normal unto ourselves. The problem arises when others view behavioural symptoms through a moral lens that assigns intention – “he/she did it to me on purpose” – without recognizing the brain’s role in behaviours.
Most interventions target behaviours for change. When behaviours are symptoms of a physical disability, it is like punishing a paraplegic for refusing to do a high jump.
Failing to recognize the brain-based condition often leads to effort without results with everyone becoming increasingly frustrated.
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