Adulthood
Your role as an advocate will not end at 18 years of age. Many of the difficulties common in the teen years with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder continue for adults and additional challenges occur. For an adult, the expectation from society is independence; to be able to support oneself, manage housing, food, transportation, money, relationships, health, and personal safety. Decision making belongs to the adult. Caretakers no longer provide supervision, structure, and routine. In FASD, the typical profile is one of dysmaturity. There can be a gap between chronological and developmental age. A 24-year-old may be developmentally closer to 12 years of age, still needing supervision and support.
Postponing the transition to adulthood can be helpful. An 18-year-old with FASD may developmentally be much younger. Work with your adult at their developmental age, not chronological. Reset your expectations and think of the transition to adulthood in stages. Adults with FASD may need help with making decisions. Being discreet and working with them rather than dictating is recommended. Many with FASD will only function as well as his or her support system functions.
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Re-think success. Some adults with FASD will attend college, but many do not. Success can come in many forms; look to the strengths in your adult and help them find an avenue to pursue.
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Because brain damage is life long, most adults with FASD continue to need assistance. An adult with FASD often functions as well as their support system functions and their willingness to accept help. The level and need will be different for each person, however, in FASD, the life goal is typically not for independence but interdependence, with identified adults stepping in as coaches. Coaches can help with things like appointments, managing money/paying bills, finding and keeping a job, help identify and understand harmful situations, etc.
Expanding the Support System
Finding and maintaining employment can be challenging for many individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Often, the first challenge is accessing employment placement services that understand the disability and can effectively assist with the job search process.
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Many adults with FASD rely on vocational rehabilitation programs, supported employment agencies, job coaches, or other disability employment services to help identify suitable work opportunities, apply for positions, prepare for interviews, and secure employment. Unfortunately, these services frequently have little training in FASD and may not recognize how brain-based differences affect communication, memory, executive functioning, problem-solving, and daily functioning.
As a result, individuals may be matched with jobs that are a poor fit, struggle to navigate the hiring process, or lose access to services because their challenges are misunderstood. Employment success often begins with successful job matching. Understanding strengths, learning styles, functional challenges, and accommodation needs is critical when identifying appropriate employment opportunities.
Research and lived experience show that people with FASD can be successful employees when there is a good fit between the individual, the job, and the workplace environment. Predictable routines, clear expectations, consistent supervision, practical assistance, and opportunities to build on strengths can make a significant difference. Success often depends on understanding, flexibility, appropriate accommodations, and a good match between the individual, the job, and the workplace environment.
Employment is about more than earning a paycheck. Meaningful work can provide purpose, confidence, social connection, financial stability, and a greater sense of belonging within the community. With the right opportunities and workplace fit, many individuals with FASD can contribute their talents and thrive in the workplace.
Employment
Adults with FASD are making their voices known, becoming a force for better understanding of the disability in adult years and asking that research focus on what happens after childhood. It is important to look at an adult with FASD as an individual and to recognize both strengths and weaknesses. It is also vital to recognize that the challenges of FASD do not go away at 18 years of age. In addition, functioning can change as the person gets older. What was not possible in the twenties, may become possible in the thirties.
Adults with FASD are taking charge
