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J U S
T T H E F A C T S
TIMELINES AND FASD
People with FASD may present a complex portrait of competencies and
delays. It is not uncommon to encounter a mix of abilities and lags in
any one person. The profile of maturation and strengths varies
significantly between people with FASD. This chart is
intended to provide a visual cue for gaps which may be masked by
abilities (i.e., emotional immaturity may be hidden by strong expressive
language skills.)
It is when the expectation that a person is "on time" when
they are actually
developmentally much younger that conflict develops. "Why
don't you act your age!" and "Grow up" are common
comments which reflect frustration where immaturity has not been
recognized as part of a normal variability in
development. One parent said her feeling about her child changed after
she
was reminded to "Think younger."
Actual age of individual: 18
Skill
Developmental age equivalent
Expressive Language=================================>
20
Comprehension ====> 6
Money, time concepts ====> 8
Emotional maturity => 6
Physical maturity ===============================> 18
Reading ability =============================> 16
Social skills ========> 7
Living skills ===============> 11
___________________________________________________________
0
5
10
15
20
Chronological age ========>
A gradual catch up is noted in young adults with FASD. Rather
than being able to leave home at 18, a more realistic timeline may be 25
to 30. Ask yourself what responsibilities would be reasonable to
expect from a 10 year old when confronted by a tall, verbal 16 year old
with FASD. Adjust expectations accordingly.
Adapted from: Research findings of Streissguth,
Clarren et al. Diane
Malbin 1994
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Making connections to promote
restoration and renewal for families and children in crisis and trauma