Symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) typically emerge in early childhood but may present differently during a person’s teenage years and early adulthood.

Behavioral therapy, medications, parental training, and environmental adjustments may all help support a teenager with FAS.

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FASD is the umbrella term for a range of developmental issues that may occur in individuals who experienced exposure to alcohol in the womb. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe form of FASD.

Many individuals with FAS receive a diagnosis in early childhood. However, since there is no cure for FAS, the condition will continue into adolescence and adulthood.

FAS may affect individuals in different ways in their teenage years. People may experience:

  • neurodevelopmental conditions
  • neurobehavioral conditions
  • distinctive physical differences

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, individuals with FASD may experience lifelong cognitive and behavioral impairments, as well as secondary issues, such as:

The above typically affect an individual from infancy through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, though they may present differently in different life stages.

Social and emotional challenges

According to the FASD Network of Southern California (FASDNSC), teens with FASD often experience difficulties in the following areas of life:

  • Socializing: Teenagers with FAS may have trouble getting along with friends and relating to others. They may:
    • be easily influenced
    • find it challenging to set and maintain boundaries
    • have difficulty recognizing when people are exploiting them
  • Attention and impulse management: A teenager with this condition may display behaviors that get them in trouble, such as hyperactivity, difficulty paying attention, and impulsiveness. Disruptive or antisocial behaviors may result in school suspensions. Teens with FAS are also more vulnerable to alcohol or substance misuse.
  • Emotional regulation: Adolescence is a difficult time for most people. However, teenagers with FAS may find this period of physical and emotional change particularly difficult. They may be prone to overstimulation or feelings of being overwhelmed, which can lead to emotional outbursts.
  • Learning: Teenagers with FAS may be behind their peers academically and have difficulty with reading, math, organization, and comprehension. They may also have an enhanced need for patience, consistency, immediate feedback, and strong academic support.

Mental health issues

The FASDNSC notes that teens with FASD appear particularly prone to the following mental health issues:

A 2019 study found that teens with FASD reported higher rates of suicidal ideation compared with teenagers in the general United States population.

Of the 35.2% of teens with FASD who reported suicidal ideation, 13% reported at least one suicide attempt within the past year.

For comparison, 17.2% of teens in the general US population reported suicidal ideation, while 2.4% reported suicide attempts.

Suicide prevention

If you know someone at immediate risk of self-harm, suicide, or hurting another person:

  • Ask the tough question: “Are you considering suicide?”
  • Listen to the person without judgment.
  • Call 911 or the local emergency number, or text TALK to 741741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor.
  • Stay with the person until professional help arrives.
  • Try to remove any weapons, medications, or other potentially harmful objects if it’s safe to do so.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, a prevention hotline can help. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988. During a crisis, people who are hard of hearing can use their preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Find more links and local resources.

According to a 2017 review, the average age at which individuals receive a diagnosis of FASD is 2 years and 3 months.

However, the review adds that doctors often miss or misdiagnose the condition, which could lead to later diagnoses.

The American Academy of Pediatrics highlights the importance of early FASD screening for all children, to help ensure early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Although there is no cure for FAS, treatments can help address the condition’s effects on an individual and support them in building upon their personal strengths.

These treatments typically begin in childhood, and some may continue throughout a person’s lifetime.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), treatment consists of the following:

  • medical care
  • behavioral therapy
  • parental training

Medical care

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved any medications specifically for the treatment of FASD.

However, the CDC notes that the following medications may help with some symptoms:

  • stimulants to help treat behavioral issues, such as:
    • hyperactivity
    • difficulty paying attention
    • reduced impulse control
  • neuroleptics to help with behavioral issues, such as:
  • anti-anxiety drugs to help alleviate anxiety
  • antidepressants to help treat other mental health issues, such as

Behavioral therapy

Behavioral therapies that may be effective for some children and adolescents with FASD include the following:

  • The Families Moving Forward program: This program offers support for families of children with severe FASD-related behavioral issues. Throughout 18 to 22 sessions, a mental health professional with specialized training in FASD consults directly with parents or caregivers, providing tools and techniques to help with behavioral issues.
  • The Parents and Children Together program: The PACT program consists of 12 weekly sessions, during which a mental health professional works with a child and their parents to address issues with behavior regulation and executive functions, such as planning, organizing, and understanding others.

Parental training

The CDC states that children and adolescents with FASD may not respond to typical parenting practices.

As such, the goal of parental training is to educate parents about their child’s unique challenges and to provide parents with tools to help their child develop skills and cope with their FASD symptoms.

A therapist who specializes in FASD may deliver parental training classes individually or in group therapy sessions.

As the United Kingdom’s National Organization for FASD (NOFASD) explains, individuals with FASD do not follow the same developmental trajectory as individuals of the same age without the condition.

They may be more advanced in certain skills, such as sports, music, or expressive language. However, they may be much less advanced in social or emotional functioning.

The NOFASD recommends that parents of children with FASD provide a level of support and scaffolding that is appropriate to a child half their child’s chronological age. For example, a 16-year-old child may require a level of parental support typically appropriate for an 8-year-old.

The CDC offers some general tips for parents and caregivers looking after a child with FASD. Some that may also be applicable to teenagers include:

  • simplifying tasks or routines
  • embracing their strengths and talents
  • using simple and specific language and examples
  • showing consistency with routines, discipline, and schooling
  • regularly using forms of positive reinforcement, such as praise and incentives

According to the FASDNSC, teens with FASD may also benefit from joining a FASD support group. Talking with other teens and adults living with FASD and interacting with supportive role models may help them feel less isolated.

The Learning Disabilities Association of America provides resources for parents and caregivers of children with learning difficulties, including:

  • educational resources on how to recognize and get help for learning difficulties in children and teenagers
  • tips on how to work with the child’s teacher and other education staff to ensure the best learning outcomes for the child
  • advice on requesting a referral for learning assistance or special education

The following organizations provide more specific FAS resources:

  • FASD United: This organization has a resource directory and a “navigator” tool that provides individuals with FASD and their family members, caregivers, and supporters with confidential support and referrals.
  • The Proof Alliance: This Minnesota-based organization supports people with FASD and their families. It also has a program designed by and for Native Americans, who experience higher rates of FASD. Facilitators of the program share traditional teachings, public health information, and resources with Native American communities.

It is important for parents and caregivers of people with FAS to take care of themselves, too. This may involve joining a support group through one of the organizations above or seeking additional mental health support if needed.

If a parent or caregiver is experiencing alcohol addiction, help and support is available.

Below are answers to some common questions about FASD.

Does FASD get worse with age?

FASD is a lifelong condition, and the symptoms may present differently across a person’s lifespan.

The Indiana Alliance on Prenatal Substance Exposure notes that FASD may cause severe secondary effects that typically do not present until adolescence or early adulthood, such as:

  • mental health issues
  • substance use or addiction
  • trouble with the law or other authorities

However, not everyone with FASD will experience the above issues. Early treatment and ongoing support can help prevent some of these secondary effects.

Can a child with FAS live a “normal” life?

According to the Indiana Alliance on Prenatal Substance Exposure, many individuals with FASD are unable to live independently and may require lifelong support from family members.

Nonetheless, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that timely and appropriate FASD treatment, along with continued support, can help individuals with FASD live a fulfilling life.

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Teens with FASD may be prone to overstimulation, emotional outbursts, and impulsivity. They may have impaired social skills and engage in disruptive and antisocial behaviors.

Teens with FASD are also at increased risk of mental health issues, such as depression, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation.

Although there is no cure for FAS, treatments can help address the condition’s effects and build upon an individual’s personal strengths. Treatments should ideally begin in early childhood, and some may continue into adulthood.

Teens with FASD may benefit from joining a FASD support group. Most will also require lifelong care and support from family members.