Intelligence
IQ score scan range from 20 to 110, with an average in the 60's. They can "talk the talk" but often can't "walk the walk". An excellent example of this would be to ask the FAS child what they should do in an emergency. The child would likely give the correct answer "call 911". Then, ask the child "what is an emergency?" They may be less likely to answer because it requires a higher level of thought processing.
Behavior
During the early school years FAS children appear alert and friendly. The are prone however to hyperactivity and impulse control. In the teen years, the child may have severe mood swings, experience social problems and begin increasing in risky behaviour (sexual behaviour, theft, substance abuse).
For more information on the effects of FAS on behaviour go to:
http://treefort.org/~tjk/cantwont.htm
Learning
FAS children often have severe information processing problems. It is evidenced in the following domains:
- Input - receiving signals from the senses
- Integration- interpreting the signals
- Memory - storage of information
- Output - translating the information into action
For more information on the effects of FAS on Learning go to:
http://www.acbr.com/fas/j.htm
Memory
For more information on the effects of FAS on Memory go to:
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/fas/under.htm
Language
The amount of talking the FAS child does often masks a lack of true communication skills. They tend to have problems with articulation, stuttering, interrupting and understanding humour.
For more information on the effects of FAS on Language go to:
http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/fas/under.htm
Fine Motor Skills
The impairment of fine motor skills results in FAS/FAE kids being labelled "Clumsy" and "Accident prone". They often have difficulty with hand-eye coordination tasks. Their handwriting is frequently illegible.
For more information on Fine Motor Skills go to:
http://www.apa.org/monitor/mar98/fetal.html
Social Ability
These children may not understand the concepts of "personal space and ownership". They miss important social cues that makes it difficult for them to make and keep friends. Most importantly, FAS children may lack "stranger anxiety". This makes them easy targets for sexual abuse.
For more information on Social Ability go to:
http://www.acbr.com/fas/j.htm
