Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong condition characterized by a diverse set of cognitive, social, and adaptive functioning deficits caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Despite these pervasive symptoms, individuals with FASD often go undiagnosed and untreated, sometimes resulting in interactions with fire service responders, law enforcement professionals, and other community providers. Case studies, popular media accounts, and interviews with caregivers of children with FASD suggest that this disorder’s symptoms may be a variable to consider in some firesetting cases. As such, fire professionals have the potential to serve a critical role in directing individuals in need of assessment and treatment for FASD to other professionals in the community. Most often, this will take place through a comprehensive youth firesetting program, but any fire service professional can take the opportunity to refer youth with problem behaviors to community resources. The purpose of this article is to raise awareness of FASD among fire safety specialists.
Recommended Citation
Brown, Jerrod; Charette, Cody; Porth, Don; and Osmonson, Kathi
(2016)
"Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Firesetting Behaviors: A Call on Fire Professionals to Become FASD-Informed,"
Forensic Scholars Today: Vol. 2:
Iss.
3, Article 3.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/forensic_scholars_today/vol2/iss3/3