Primary vs.

Secondary Behaviours
Primary: Our actions are guided by our
own unique brain strengths and
differences.
Secondary: When we are judged and
attacked we build defensive and protective
"Others find it challenging to
walls.
understand me [primary] at
Consider whether behaviours are primary (from times and this makes me feel
the brain) or secondary (walls built to protect): left out [secondary]."

-Youth with FASD

Brain Differences (Primary)

Challenges communicating thoughts clearly
Processing speed delays
Inattention/Impulsivity
Memory problems STRATEGIES
Difficulty reading social cues (tone of voice,
Identify challenges: keep an
body language, sarcasm)
open mind; use an empathetic
Difficulty interpreting abstract concepts
approach; search for and repair
breakdowns in communication

Develop healthy friendships:

Protective Responses (Secondary) share something important;
develop self esteem by helping a
Frustration friend and appreciating personal
Aggression cultural heritage
Shutting down Be proactive: role play important
Isolation/Giving up/Task avoidance conversations with a trusted
Anxiety person
Overly dependent on others
Substance use

Sources: Adapted from Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre. (2018). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and complex trauma: A resource for
educators. Fitzroy Crossing, Australia: Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre.
Community Response Initiative. (2018). Resilience Building Blocks for Life.
In collaboration with Dr. Heather Baker, Registered Psychologist & Katrina Griffin, FASD Consultant 2020