or Is it that the child can't? by Diane Malbin |
| Beliefs dictate behaviors. The belief that many primary learning and behavioral characteristics which may reflect the underlying neuropathology associated with FAS/FAE are the result of willful, volitional or intentional behaviors often leads to punishment of these symptoms. Inadvertently, this may in turn result in the development of an array of secondary defensive behaviors. The chronic lack of a good 'fit' between the needs of those with FAS/FAE and their environments may lead to tertiary characteristics of school failure, mental health problems, running away, or trouble with the law. These are all believed to be preventable. The key to prevention is linking the idea of brain dysfunction with presenting behaviors, reframing perceptions, and moving from punishment to support. The shift is from seeing a child as one who "won't" do something to one who possibly "can't". |
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Primary Characteristics:
Neuropathology |
Standard Interpretation:
May Lead to Punishment |
Secondary Defenses
or Characteristics |
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Memory problems |
Could remember if they he/she tried |
Fear, self protection |
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Inconsistent performance |
Not trying on "off" days |
Anxiety |
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Forgetful |
Willful |
Frustration |
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Poor short term (auditory) memory |
Not listening, paying attention |
Anger, avoidance |
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Remembers some things, not others |
Seen as lazy |
Confusion, depression |
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"Gaps": Talks the talk, doesn't Walk the walk: disconnections |
Willfully disobedient |
More defensiveness |
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Can't link words with feelings |
Seen as uncaring |
Shut down, confusion |
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Forgets words, ideas |
Doesn't try, could do it |
FRUSTRATION!!!! |
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Decodes, doesn't comprehend |
Manipulative |
Inferiority, fear, masking |
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Difficulty forming associations |
Does it 'on purpose' |
Internalizes negatives |
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Doesn't see similarities differences |
"Should" know better! |
Isolated, fearful |
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May not generalize or apply rules in new settings |
"Trying to make me mad" |
Masks mistakes, lies |
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Difficulty with abstractions: money, math, time |
Has to know times tables! |
Avoids homework |
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Poor planning, sequencing initiating, following through |
Punished for not doing tasks |
Feels blindsided, may not understand |
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Difficulty understanding danger |
Psychopathology |
May shut down |
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Impulsive, suggestible |
Daredevil, sociopath |
Behaves accordingly |
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Can't see consequences |
No conscience, punished |
Blames others |
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Fatigue |
Passive resistive |
Irritability to rage |
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Long response time |
Trying to be controlling |
Gives up or acts out |
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Acts young for age |
Too dependent, irresponsible |
Overwhelmed |
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Socially "inappropriate" |
Poor values, insensitive |
Gravitates to "comfort" friends |
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Perseverative |
Controlling, wants own way |
Rigid, resistive |
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Oversensitive |
Hypochondriac |
Discomfort, distress, whiny |
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No response, flat affect |
Doesn't care |
Lacks language to communicate clearly |