FASD Elephant (TM) #011: The Secondary Disabilities of FASD

People with FASD (including FAS) have both primary and secondary disabilities. Secondary disabilities are those disabilities that arise because of a mismatch between the brain damage and factors in the environment--they are not directly caused from the brain damage.

Streissguth, et al (1996) conducted a four year study on the secondary disabilities of 415 individuals with FASD and found six secondary disabilites:

1. Mental Health Problems - 90% of the 415 had mental health conditions of any type; 61% had ADHD and more than 50% had depression.
2. Disrupted School Experiences - Over 60% had disruptions in school... from suspensions to drop-out.
3. Trouble with the Law - 60% had trouble with the law, with shoplifting and theft the most common crime.
4. Confinement - 50% had been confined, either incarcerated, inpatient mental health hospitalization, or inpatient chemical dependency treatment.
5. Inappropriate Sexual Behavior - 49% had displayed inappropriate sexual behavior, most common was sexual advances, sexual touching, and promiscuity.
6. Alcohol and Drug Problems - 35% had chemical abuse problems.

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