Diagnosis

Differential diagnoses related to behavioral difficulties and the brain are just as crucial for successful outcomes as those related to physical health. A correct diagnosis of FASD leads to better educational outcomes, job prospects, and overall mental health than otherwise possible. We know that determining the type of cancer is critical to the determination of the kind of chemotherapy or other treatment; differentiation of the cause of behavioral problems is no less important than in this example.  If a child is diagnosed with ADHD (often the first diagnosis our loved ones receive), the usual interventions, such as medication, are not necessarily helpful to those with an FASD, or even the dosage may not be productive since brain differences can affect how medications are metabolized.  There are many overlapping characterstics between FASD and other conditions.

Parents often realize that “typical” parenting techniques do not remedy the behavioral challenges of those with a missing diagnosis or a misdiagnosis.  Once an accurate diagnosis is obtained, there are interventions that work, but they are not the ones we reflexively consider.

Others question seeking an FASD diagnosis with the statement that “It doesn’t matter, there isn’t help anyway.” That is not true; there may not be as many evidence-based interventions as for other diagnoses, but until more are diagnosed with an FASD, there is limited focus on developing those interventions which is a disadvantage for all.  Furthermore, this assertion implies that there is no hope for those with an FASD.  That is absolutely not true!  As with all problems, early intervention is related to a positive outcome. For a more in-depth discussion of this, see FASD: Thirty Reasons Why Early Identification Matters

And many adults with FASD, often regardless of when a diagnosis was obtained, are proof that diagnosis does matter.

Adulthood diagnosis can have positive results 

Diagnosis of an Adult: In his own words