Written by Avneet Kaur.
Many people who have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) are never correctly identified or diagnosed. FASD affects many areas of a person’s life, including learning, behaviour, mental health, physical health, and daily functioning. However, FASD can look very similar to other conditions like learning disorders or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which can make it hard to recognize. In their recent study, Differentiating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder from Other Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Neurocognitive and Socio-emotional Evidence, Fernandes-Magalhaes et al. (2025) explored what makes FASD unique compared to other neurodevelopmental conditions. This article is from our Top FASD Articles of 2025 list.
About the Study:
The researchers worked with 76 children between the ages of 6 to 15. 46 participants had FASD and 30 participants were diagnosed with other neurodevelopmental conditions such as ADHD or learning disorders. Each child completed a comprehensive set of tests covering areas like intellectual functioning, attention, memory, verbal skills, executive functions, and socio-emotional behaviour.
Key Research Findings:
The authors of this study were looking to show that FASD has its own distinct profile compared to other neurodevelopmental disorders. The research found that children with FASD showed significantly lower performance than children with other neurodevelopmental conditions across all cognitive areas tested, including:
- Global intelligence
- Verbal comprehension
- Working memory
- Processing speed
- Attention
- Memory
- Executive functions
These differences in task performance across all areas are an important finding because they suggest that FASD may involve more significant challenges across multiple areas of functioning at the same time compared to other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Why This Matters:
The findings of this study underscores how important it is to screen, identify, and assess children who may have FASD. When FASD is not correctly recognized, children and families may not get the right support and help. For more information about the diagnostic process, visit CanFASD’s Diagnosis page and the FASD Identification, Assessment and Diagnosis Hub.
The good news is that the researchers found that the challenges children with FASD face are not inevitable and not always severe. A lot depends on the environment around them and the interactions between the environment and their impairments. Having a stable home, consistent caregiving, and the right support can make a big difference.
Based on the findings and other related studies, the researchers highlight the following recommendations and interventions as particularly important:
- Early diagnosis so children can get the right help as soon as possible;
- Educational strategies that are structured and consistent;
- Family-centred support and therapies;
- Programs and support that are multidisciplinary; and
- A strengths-based approach that focuses on what children with FASD can do, not just their challenges, which can also help reduce stigma.
Early identification of FASD and the right supports can make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.
For more information about supports and interventions for children and families affected by FASD, visit CanFASD’s Intervention page and Information for Families.
Avneet Kaur is a student in the Addictions and Mental Health program at Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ontario. Originally from India, she is currently completing her field placement with CanFASD. She is passionate about reducing stigma and improving support for individuals and families affected by FASD.