People with FAS/FAE may present a complex portrait of competencies and delays. 
It is not uncommon to encounter a mix of abilities and lags in any one person. 
The profile of maturation and strengths variew significantly between people with
FAS/FAE.  This chart is intended to provide a visual cue for gaps which may be
masked by abilities (i.e., emotional immaturity may be hidden by strong
expressive language skills.)

It is when the expectation that a person is "on time" when they are actually
developmentally much younger that conflict develops.  "Why don't you act your
age!" and "Grow up" are common comments which reflect frustration where 
immaturity has not been recognized as part of a normal variability in
development. One parent said her feeling about her child changed after she 
was reminded to "Think younger."

Actual age of individual: 18

Skill                                         Developmental age equivalent

Expressive Language ========================================> 20

Comprehension =======> 6

Money, time concepts ========> 8

Emotional maturity ==> 6

Physical maturity ======================================> 18

Reading ability =================================> 16

Social skills ===========> 7

Living skills ====================> 11

_______________________________________________________________________________
     0             5              10            15             20            25

Chronological age ========>

A gradual catch up is noted in young adults with FAS/FAE.  Rather than being
able to leave home at 18, a more realistic timeline may be 25 to 30.  Ask
yourself what responsibilities would be reasonablet o expect from a 10 year old
when confronted by a tall, verbal 16 year old with FAS/FAE.  Adjust expectations
accordingly.

Adapted from: Research findings of Streissguth, Clarren et al.
Diane Malbin 1994

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