Managing Challenging and/or Extreme Behaviour

Most children with FASD have immature social development, disorders with sensory processing, a lack of impulse control and an inability to predict consequences, link cause and effect or learn from their mistakes.  For many of these children this can sometimes lead to them becoming easily and extremely upset, yelling and/or aggressive outbreaks.  Without an understanding of specific management strategies, these traits can increase as they get older and may lead to violent behaviour in teens or adults with FASD.  It is important that such behaviour is understood as a symptom of their underlying brain damage and not bad behaviour that must be controlled. It is also important to understand that traditional methods of education and discipline are not effective for young children and young people who have FASD. The most effective management strategy is to try to prevent the behaviour from escalating out of control in the first place but this is often easier said than done.

These are links to resources that many parents have found useful for understanding and managing challenging and or extreme behaviour.

Behavioural Symptoms and Accommodations for FASD

Who has to change? Trying their hardest, doing their best! –  What it is like to live with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

How to help someone with FASD (based on non-violent crisis intervention principles)

How to divert someone you cannot confront without an explosion? by Nathan E. Ory, M.A

Negative behaviours: How does FASD affect this area?