Forensic Scholars Today
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a complex diagnosis impacting behavioral, cognitive,
educational, and vocational capacities. Social dysfunction is a core deficit associated with prenatal
alcohol exposure. Over the past multiple years of my professional work with adults with suspected or
diagnosed FASD, I have identified seven themes that consistently arise concerning social dysfunction in
some individuals who have been exposed to alcohol prenatally. These themes are often exacerbated
when misdiagnoses have been made, proper treatment has not been given, or familial and community
supports have not been established. Confirmed based on interviews with caregivers and others
professionals working with this population, I am pleased to present these themes to you here.
1. Boundary Problems. Some individuals with suspected or diagnosed FASD experience
difficulties with establishing healthy boundaries with persons in their communities. Such
individuals are often overly friendly with strangers or with persons known to them who do not wish
to maintain in contact. This may manifest in violation of non-contact orders or unwanted sexual
advances, as the comprehension of both verbal and nonverbal cues may be clouded.
2. Friendship-Building Problems. Some individuals with suspected or diagnosed FASD
experience difficulties in establishing healthy friendships with persons in their communities. As a
result, they often have superficial friendships, sometimes with persons in younger age groups to
match their maturity and developmental level.
3. Lack of Cause-Effect Thinking. Some individuals with suspected or diagnosed FASD often lack
the ability to foresee the consequences (especially the social consequences) of their actions,
resulting in judgment deficiencies that come across as a lack of common sense. This may
manifest in the ignoring of “good manners” and a lack of awareness of obviously risky situations.
2015, Vol. 1, Issue 3: FASD Special Edition 2
4. Person-Pleasing. Some individuals with suspected or diagnosed FASD often try hard to please
others at their own expense. Hence, they may come across as naïve or easily fooled, as they
have a perceived inability to say no to friends. This may manifest in being tricked into giving
money or objects to other people, or being the scapegoat for the actions of others.
5. Inappropriate Conversations. Some individuals with suspected or diagnosed FASD have an
excessive need for attention, which sometimes manifests in talking more than is appropriate. The
content of this speech may also be unusual, hyperbolic or socially inappropriate.
6. Social Overstimulation. Some individuals with suspected or diagnosed FASD become
overstimulated in social situations such as being in a crowded room or when strangers are
present. This overstimulation may impact their ability to effectively socialize, resulting in
indecisiveness.
7. Lack of Emotion Regulation. Some individuals with suspected or diagnosed FASD may
overreact to social situations, experiencing stronger emotions than are appropriate given the
context. In contrast, they may also experience blunted affect, appearing disinterested in routine
social interactions or conversations.
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Biography
Jerrod Brown, M.A., M.S., M.S., M.S., is the Treatment Director for Pathways Counseling Center, Inc.
Pathways provides programs and services benefiting individuals impacted by mental illness and
addictions. Jerrod is also the founder and CEO of the American Institute for the Advancement of
Forensic Studies (AIAFS), and the lead developer and program director of an online graduate degree
program in Forensic Mental Health from Concordia University, St. Paul, Minnesota. Jerrod is currently
pursuing a doctoral degree in psychology.