Competency 2: Identification of FASD and Diagnosis of FAS
Signs and Symptoms of FASD That May Be Confused with Other Disorders
Because diagnosing an FASD is so difficult, many individuals with an FASD are diagnosed and treated for individual symptoms or conditions, such as attention deficit disorder, rather than an FASD. A co-occurring disorder may be noted and the prenatal alcohol exposure may be missed. Co-occurring disorders with an FASD may include:
- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Conduct disorder
- Reactive attachment disorder
- Schizophrenia
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Substance use disorders
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
If an FASD is not recognized, misdiagnoses are common. This problem often occurs with adolescents and adults. Signs and symptoms of FASD that may be missed or attributed to other causes include:
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Identifying alcohol exposure as a problem can help in choosing appropriate interventions. For example, medications that are used to treat attention deficits may not be effective in persons with an FASD if the medication is used for a chemical imbalance and the deficits are caused by structural brain damage. In addition, seemingly defiant behavior may be caused by frustration in not understanding directions. Persons with an FASD often have trouble following directions, especially when multiple steps are involved.
