03

Holistic Approach and

Understanding the
Complexity of FASD
Case Study
 Behavioural
Vestibulum congue
Vestibulum congue

Social
Vestibulum congue FASD Cognitive
Vestibulum congue

Vestibulum congue Vestibulum congue

Emotional
Vestibulum congue
Case Study: Grade 3 Boy Diagnosed with FASD, ADHD and ODD

“Very tricky at times. He is a complex individual who is

explosive and can be aggressive but he really is a sweet
and enduring boy.”
Principal of an elementary
school in Lethbridge
 Comorbidity with Other Conditions

Individuals with FASD are 10X more likely to be Children with FASD experience
diagnosed with ADHD, 20X more likely to develop significantly higher sleep disturbances
a substance abuse disorder and 25X more likely than typically developing children and
to be diagnosed with a psychiatric condition. are over 70% more likely to have
Flannigan et al., 2022 nightmares.
Mughal et al., 2021

Adding to the diagnostic challenges of FASD

is a variety of other psychological symptoms
including hyperactivity, emotional disorders,
sleep disorders, aggression, inappropriate
sexual behavior, self-injury, and social skill
challenges.
Green, 2014
 FASD and Trauma
Individuals with FASD experience
disproportionately higher rates of prenatal Beginning early in life, children with FASD are
and postnatal adversity and are thus often exposed to higher rates of adverse experiences
exposed to high levels of trauma. such as caregiver disruption, death of parents,
abuse and neglect, and familial substance
Trauma and FASD are often
abuse.
intrinsically linked through
Flannigan et al., 2022
intergenerational trauma.

Trauma can disconnect children from the ability to

attach to others in positive and trusting ways. It is
crucial to make efforts to build strong relationships
with children with FASD even if it is challenging at
times.
Weston & Thomas, 2018
 Individuals with FASD are
frequently reported to have a
number of positive qualities
including, but not limited too:
friendly, likeable,
affectionate, helpful,
generous, outgoing, good
story tellers, insightful,
exceptionally bright in some
areas, artistic and musical,
mechanical, athletic,
determined, hard working,
willing, forgiving,
non-judgemental, caring,
good with children and
animals, and strong hands on
learners.
Flannigan et al., 2018
 Conclusion

Awareness about FASD reduces the stigma of

those suffering from it, prevalence numbers
and increases the accessibility of supports and
resources for those impacted. As well as
encouraging scholars to fill the significant
knowledge gaps currently surrounding FASD.
FASD is complex and often co-occurs with
other conditions.It is intrinsically linked with
trauma, which means that a holistic approach
for supports and services is important.
Focusing on the positive qualities of those with
FASD helps to break down stigma and build
more confidence for those affected.
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