FASD Simulation Test Analysis

If you passed this test on your first try, you are blessed with some incredibly good test-taking genes. More than likely you had to try a few times to figure it out. If you did not figure it out yet, go back and try again now. Not just to humor me, but to experience first the frustration of failure and then the joy of success. This is important to have this experience embedded in your recent memory to appreciate the insights to be gained by this exercise.

Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) who take this or other tests might experience low self-esteem, think they are stupid, tell themselves "I can't do it," experience frustration, anger, and discouragement. Perhaps you experienced some of these feelings too.

The person with an FASD might have difficulty taking tests or following instructions for various reasons:

• They are easily distracted by external stimuli.
• What seems simple to us might be complicated for them.
• It might take longer for them to process information.
• Skill deficits in one area may mask abilities in another area.
• If the instructions were given orally, it could be even more difficult
• Repeated failure could lead to discouragement, depression and "shut-down."
• Feelings of anger and frustration could lead to aggression and "acting out."

We can help individuals with FASD to succeed at school or on the job by helping those who interact with them to understand the neurological nature of FASD. Here are some specific things we can do:

• We can reword instructions
• We can provide a quiet environment
• We can give second chances
• We can give them more time to respond
• We can encourage them
• We can show them how
• We can give them cues if they forget
• We can be consistent, even when they cannot be
• We can ask if they need help
• We can repeat the instructions
• We can be available to help them if they get stuck
• We can look for signs of stress and give them time to regroup
• We can let them take the test another day
• We can check our expectations
• We can focus on their talents and abilities
• We can provide more opportunities for them to succeed
• We can educate ourselves about FASD and the Brain