2026 Education and FASD International Conference
• Oct 23, 2026
Psycho-education - how to avoid pitfalls of the difference between self-perception and perception by evaluators
10:30AM to
11:10AM PDT
/ 40min
Evaluations to determine skill and cognitive abilities of people with FASD are frequently used as a basis to make decisions about the "right" workplace, interventions, assistance. When done 1-on-1, or in any case without members of their support network, these evaluations can easily over-rate the examinees abilities. This is driven by the wish to perform (of the person with FASD).
There is a real systemic problem: People with FASD want to fulfill expectations. But the damage their brain suffered during pregnancy is profound and lasting, amongst others impacting their ability to self-reflect. Asked about their ability to successfully perform routine, everyday activities, they would describe their life as being one without problems. That is not intentional deception. Rather, their brain fills missing information unintentionally with data that seems logical and fitting.
When these seemingly self-confident and reassuring answers are taken for granted by evaluators, the resulting conclusions can lead to overly demanding requirements at home or at work. That in turn would lead to sensory overload, termination of work arrangements and/or interventions, and emotional stress.
What can we do? Involve caregivers or other members of the support network of the person whose abilities are being evaluated. They will be able to provide a longer-term perspective on the person with FASD. They will be able to pin-point, what kinds of assistance are needed and useful, be it on everyday chores, finances, daily routines.
Psycho-education of both persons with FASD and those involved in their support network will be invaluable to understand a diagnosis and the resulting challenges. Instead of downplaying their "weaknesses", they will feel empowered to ask for assistance and will therefore be better able to master their lives.
In this session, we will review study results and how to translate these findings into your care setting.