How Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Appears in Teenagers

There are no known safe levels of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Babies exposed to alcohol before birth are at risk of developing fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), which can have a strong and negative effect on the brain's structure. These effects can affect the child’s development, even into early adolescence. Children born with fetal alcohol syndrome can face various mental and physical challenges. There are often impacts on the child regarding academics and social skills, along with behavioral and emotional concerns. Adolescents with fetal alcohol syndrome may also struggle with other problems that can affect their ability to perform and function in everyday life. Even with a range of challenges, the early detection of FAS combined with a nurturing and stable environment can help teens learn independence and control and live a happy and healthy life.

Struggles teens with FAS face

Fetal alcohol syndrome can bring several challenges as infants grow into young children and teens. The teen years bring an expected level of conflict, rebellion, and behavioral changes. The challenges can change for a teen diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome and become much more severe and problematic. Some of these challenges could include the following:

• Memory problems can become a concern for adolescents with FAS, particularly short-term memory. This can become a problem for teens to stay on task or keep their train of thought. Memory problems can lead to being forgetful about boundaries and consequences.
• Executive function is the term used to describe the brain functions that we use to plan ahead and behave appropriately when working towards goals. It can also lead a teen to struggle with organizing his thoughts, motivating himself, impulse control, prioritizing, and being able to determine the consequences of each of his actions and decisions.
• Risk-taking behavior is already a concern in most teens. Teens with FAS, because they can’t necessarily control their impulses and identify what the negative consequences of their actions and behaviors might be, are at a higher risk of making those risky decisions.
• Understanding appropriate social cues can become a problem for teens because the damage to their brains doesn’t allow them to fully understand how to read facial expressions, understand social cues, and learn how to respond appropriately. For example, a teen may misinterpret fear or anxiety in someone else as hostility. Or may not understand that someone being friendly isn’t necessarily flirting with them. These types of misunderstandings can result in uncomfortable exchanges and experiences with others.
• Problems with forming healthy bonds and attachments can become a concern, often linked to not understanding appropriate social cues. Teens can bond with others quickly, misinterpreting situations and breaking those connections fast with their behavior.

It’s important to remember that some teens may display just some of these signs of fetal alcohol syndrome, while others may show all of them. Like many medical and mental health concerns, there can be a range of symptoms shown across individuals. This is what makes it so important that teens get the right type of help to address their individual needs.

Helping teens with FAS

The damage fetal alcohol syndrome can leave on the brain cannot be reversed. The goal of helping your teen should be to help him gain independence so that he can lead a happy and healthy life.  Quite often, the focus is placed on trying to get a teen to behave and stick to the rules of the home. However, teens with FAS can struggle to understand the rules and consequences. The better strategy is to help teens figure out how they can work through issues with repetition and practicing the appropriate behaviors.  This strategy is a great way to help teens understand valuable skills. This could include self-care skills, understanding their daily living needs, and helping them better understand social cues.  Some areas parents can help reinforce behaviors and rules include their education, social skills, sexuality, and the transition into young adulthood. These conversations may not always be easy for parents, but it’s important to remember that the vast majority of teens with FAS will have the same hormonal drives, needs, and wants as their neurotypical peers. Liahona Academy can provide your teen with the support he needs to address his emotional, social, and cognitive struggles that may be due to fetal alcohol syndrome. A warm, nurturing, and supportive environment, where positive reinforcement is offered, can help to improve independence and self-esteem.