Neuro-developmental Characteristics in
Children/Adolescents/Adults with FAS and FAE

Primary Characteristics

The following neuro-developmental characteristics are commonly associated with FAS/E. No one or two is necessarily diagnostically significant; may overlap characteristics of other diagnoses, e.g., ADD, AD/HD, learning disabilities, and others.

Typical primary characteristics in children, adolescents, and adults include:

• Memory problems
• Difficulty storing and retrieving information
• Inconsistent performance ("on" and "off") days
• Impulsivity, distractibility, disorganization
• Ability to repeat instructions, but inability to put them into action ("talk the talk but don't walk the walk")
• Difficulty with abstractions, such as math, money management, time concepts
• Cognitive processing deficits (may think more slowly)
• Slow auditory pace (may only understand every third word of normally paced conversation)
• Developmental lags (may act younger than chronological age)
• Inability to predict outcomes, or understand consequences

Common Strengths

Many people with FAS/FAE have strengths that mask their cognitive challenges.

• Highly verbal
• Bright in some areas
• Artistic, musical, mechanical
• Athletic
• Friendly, outgoing, affectionate
• Determined, persistent
• Willing
• Helpful
• Generous
• Good with younger children

Preventable Secondary Characteristics

In the absence of identification, people with FAS/FAE often experience chronic frustration. Over time, patterns of defensive behaviors commonly develop. These characteristics are believed to be preventable with appropriate supports.

• Fatigue, tantrums
• Irritability, frustration, anger, aggression
• Fear, anxiety, avoidance, withdrawal
• Shut down, lying, running away
• Trouble at home, school, and community
• Legal trouble
• Drug/Alcohol abuse
• Mental health problems (depression, self injury, suicidal tendencies)

Reprinted with permission from FASCETS, Inc., Portland Oregon