FASD – Mental Retardation
Mental retardation is the most debilitating feature of FASD but only about 50% of them actually fall into the retarded range of intelligence (IQ blow 70)
This can present a significant problem to individuals with FASD because they may need special services but they do not qualify because their IQ scores are not below the cut off point and therefore not be diagnosed with FASD. A diagnosis can be useful because it makes it easier to obtain services.
The damage inflicted upon the developing brain by alcohol appears to have a lasting effect. This means the prognosis for normal development is “guarded” at best even with “good parenting”. However the functioning of all children is influenced by their environment:
– support systems to families
– enriched foster/adoptive homes
– appropriate education supports
– prevocational programs
Appropriate services provided in a timely fashion can result in marked behavioural changes and productive futures, even if they do not alter the IQ scores.