Dufferin Wellington FASD - Common Misconceptions

Common Misconceptions

Behaviour	Misinterpretation	Accurate Interpretation
Non-Compliance	Willful misconduct Attention seeking Stubbornness	Difficulty translating verbal directions into actions Difficulty understanding
Repetition of the Same Mistakes	Willful misconduct Manipulativeness	Difficulty linking cause to effect Difficulty seeing similarities Difficulty generalizing
Failure to Sit Still	Attention seeking Interference with others Willful misconduct	Neurologically based need to mov while learning Sensory overload
Failure to Work Independently	Willful misconduct Poor parenting	Chronic memory problems Difficulty translating verbal directions into actions
Failure to Complete Homework	Irresponsibility Laziness Willful misconduct	memory deficits difficulty transferring what is learned in class to a homework assignment
Lack of Punctuality	Laziness, dawdling Poor parenting Willful misconduct	Difficulty understanding the abstract concept of time Need for assistance organzing
Poor Social Judgement	Poor parenting Willful misconduct Effects of child abuse	Difficulty interpreting social cues from peers Lack of knowledge of what to do
Physical Intrusiveness	Willful misconduct Deviancy	Hyper - or hypo - sensitivity to touch Difficult understanding social cues rgeadring boundaries
Stealing	Deliberate dishonsesty Lack of conscience	Difficulty understanding concept of ownership over time and space Immature thinking (ex. "finders keepers")
Lying	Deliberate lying Sociopathic behaviour Lack of conscience	Problems with memory and/or sequencing Difficulty accurately recalling events Attempt to please by telling what you presumably want to hear Confabulation
Sel-Centredness	Selfishness Regard only for self	Ability to see only the superficial or concrete level of social behaviour Difficulty linking cause and effect
Volatility	Poor parenting Aaggressive nature Short temper	Exhaustion from stress of trying to keep up Extreme over-stimulation
Inconsistent Performance	Manipulation Sneakiness Refusal to try hard enough	Chronic memory problems Difficulty generalizing from learning from one situation to another
Lack of Motivation	Poor parenting Laziness Lack of concern	Difficulty projecting into the future and seeing what will happen Difficulty connecting today's decisions with future opportunities Difficulty understanding cause and effect

Adapted from Deb Evensen, Making a Difference, 2006.

For more information on common misconceptions and myths:

Visit FASD Ontario