4. People with FASD “do not try hard” and “lie when they think they are in trouble”.
It is common for people with FASD to be able to do something one day and not the next. Some people with FASD to make up a story if they have forgotten something or if they do not understand why something happened (cause and effect). This is due to the disorder: they are not doing
5. Challenging behaviour seen in FASD is related to poor parenting.
Challenging behaviour seen in people with FASD is related to the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain and body development. People with FASD may have problems managing the symptoms and frustrations of living with the disorder. Behavioural problems may be triggered by a lack of understanding and appropriate supports. When people do not understand
6. As children get older, they will grow out of FASD.
FASD is a lifelong, whole-body, physical disorder. However, early diagnosis coupled with the right, consistent support, and a stable living environment can improve outcomes for people living with FASD.
3. People with FASD have a low Intelligence Quotient (IQ).
Although many people with FASD have an IQ within the “normal” or even “high” range, many are not able to function as expected for their age. In other words, they may have average IQ, but below average adaptive function. IQ is often used to determine if a person is eligible for services and support. As
2. People with FASD have recognizable facial features.
Very few people with FASD have recognizable facial features. The facial features (short palpebral fissures, thin upper lip, and a smooth philtrum) occur if the fetus is exposed to alcohol between days 18-21. There is no connection between having FASD facial features and the person’s intellectual capacity.
7. FASD only affects people from certain ethnic, social, and cultural backgrounds.
FASD affects all communities in Ontario and Canada. In 2015, 76.7% of Ontario women 15 years of age and older drank alcohol. In Canada, it is estimated that 50% of pregnancies are unplanned. Considering these statistics, it becomes clear that many babies will be exposed to alcohol in pregnancy regardless of the level of education,