Late Diagnosis, Lifelong Lessons: Parenting Young Adults with FASD - November 2025
Summary
Parenting young adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) can be incredibly complex—especially for caregivers who adopted their children as teens or young adults. In this personal and practical session, Barb Clark shared her journey as a parent of children with FASD and her own recent diagnosis as an adult. With honesty and insight, Barb offered guidance on how to reconnect with young people who may seem distant, shut down, or stuck.
NEW! You can now access the recording of this Education Session.
Soundbites & Takeaways We Loved!
Diagnosis can happen in any stage of life – Barb, the presenter, was diagnosed with FASD at 56! One of our team members was diagnosed with Autism in their 30s.
FASD, like many diagnoses, are a spectrum that can have quite a wide profile of symptoms and behaviours.
Destigmatizing the FASD diagnosis is important due to the complexity of substance use disorders and the prevalence of misinformation.
Getting a diagnosis can help us decode behaviour, set realistic expectations, mitigate secondary negative impacts, and connect with appropriate services.
Teach people with FASD (and other diagnoses) about how their brain works to reduce shame and raise understanding.
Dopamine (a hormone that contributes to regulation) is significantly impacted by in-utero exposure and addictions.
It can help to have proactive conversations about potential substance use challenges for those who may be sensitive to developing addictions because of impacts on their dopamine circuits (such as those with FASD or other brain injuries and neurodivergences).
Normalize how EVERYONE has brain strengths and weaknesses – including caregivers.
For some, questions and choices during distress can create more anxiety.
Practicing curiosity creates moments and opportunities for deepening connection.
Look out for and hang on to inside jokes.
Schedule intentional times when you will connect with your Living Expert, give 100% of your focus, and let them choose the activities.
Shift our goals and expectations towards interdependence (rather than independence).
Actionable Ideas & Activities
Watch I’m Not Sick, I Don’t Need Help! | Dr. Xavier Amador (18m), which can help us understand why people deny they struggle with disorders and need help.
Use the LEAP method when those we’re supporting are experiencing denial, “Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner”, learn more on Psychology Today.
When we (as caregivers) become frustrated, remember the acronym BEARS! Remember, it’s a Brain thing, consider the Emotional age and Anxiety origin, determine how to respond with Relationship and Sensory intervention in mind.
Support your Living Expert in understanding who is “on their team” and who helps them thrive and grow.