The internet has made it easier than ever to share information, but it has also fueled a troubling trend. Over the past few years there has been an increase in behind-a-phone-screen “diagnosis” of celebrities and public figures with disabilities like FASD.
Last year we saw a spike in search traffic after actress Reese Witherspoon addressed speculation about her child and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Online discourse has increasingly led to the mischaracterization of individuals based on incomplete or inaccurate information.
The problem with diagnosing from afar
It has become a common trend for internet users to assign medical conditions to celebrities based on their physical features, mannerisms, or short video clips. This phenomenon has affected figures like Greta Thunberg, Bella Ramsey, Kylie Jenner, and Chrisean Rock. These comments are often used to insult these celebrities or make jokes, which further stigmatize and stereotype real people with FASD.
These speculations are often based on harmful misconceptions. FASD is complex and diagnosis requires a thorough clinical evaluation by trained professionals. You cannot tell if someone has FASD from looking at them. Making assumptions based on someone’s appearance alone is not only inaccurate but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes.
However, this trend has led to increased curiosity about conditions like FASD. Google Trend data shows search terms like “Fetal alcohol syndrome face Greta Thunberg” and “Fetal alcohol disorder Bella Ramsey” rising in popularity over the last five years. Although these are likely quick searches to satisfy a passing curiosity, this is nevertheless, an opportunity to educate the public on FASD and correct misinformation.
What is FASD?
FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives. In a very small percentage of cases (<10% of people prenatally exposed to alcohol), individuals will have visible facial differences.
In Canada, we now use the term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or FASD to describe the range of impacts that can occur in the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is more inclusive of the true range of strengths and challenges that can occur from prenatal alcohol exposure, where Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) only captures a small portion of these impacts.
FASD diagnosis is usually performed by a multidisciplinary team of experts. It is not something that can – or should – be determined by casual online observers looking at a few photographs or video clips.
The harm of public speculation
When people speculate about whether a celebrity has FASD or fetal alcohol syndrome, it often reinforces stigma and negative stereotypes around the disability and those who have it. This kind of online discourse can be harmful for several reasons:
- It spreads misinformation. FASD is already widely misunderstood and assigning it to people incorrectly based on stereotypical characteristics can further perpetuate stigma and misinformation.
- It promotes ableism. Speculating about a person’s medical condition based on their appearance can reinforces stereotypes about what features are “attractive”.
- It overlooks real experiences: People with FASD and their families face real challenges, and reducing the disorder to an internet debate or joke minimizes and belittles their experiences.
Moving toward responsible conversations
While curiosity about public figures is natural, assigning medical conditions based on surface-level observations is not only inaccurate but also harmful. Let’s shift the conversation away from speculation and toward greater awareness, understanding, and respect for those with FASD.
For those who are curious about the impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure and how it affects people, educate yourself using reliable sources like our Foundations in FASD training course. Refrain from engaging in speculation and speak up against others are doing it.
For those who are advocating for and educating about FASD it is important to recognize and be aware of the current trends. Engaging with comments online that purposely insult others or make light of an issue is not productive. Instead, you can focus efforts on engaging in conversation with those who are curious and continuing to educate the public about FASD.
Advocating for FASD can often feel like an uphill battle. Focusing our energy on engaging with people that can make a change in your community is the best way to bring FASD into the spotlight. Talk to your political representatives about FASD and its impacts. These trends show us now, more than ever, the importance a National FASD Framework to address the prevalent misinformation, stigma, and stereotypes surrounding this disability.