Billy's story

Billy was referred to the FASDs clinic aged eight following increasing problems with his behaviour in school.

Billy's GP had sent him for a number of tests which ruled out the possibility of him having other genetic disorders which present with similar overlapping behaviours as FASDs. His GP had also established that he was exposed to alcohol whilst in the womb.

At Billy's first clinic appointment we observed and interacted with him, before completing the facial
diagnostic measurements. Later the same day he completed a cognitive assessment and communication testing.

After a few weeks break, where Billy's parents and school completed some specialist measures for us, Billy's parents returned to complete assessments around his wider neurodevelopmental difficulties including Autism and ADHD. Following this he was diagnosed with Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder with co-morbid Autism and inattentive ADHD.

This diagnosis has helped Billy and his family to understand his behaviour and put in place support to prevent further harm. It has also reduced the stress at home and the blame placed on him for not managing things when his brain simply could not cope.

Whilst Billy will not recover from his condition his quality of life has improved due to the acceptance by others about Billy's difficulties and the decrease in demands placed upon him. With increased support in the areas he found difficult, overall his behaviour and potential long term outcomes have improved.