Please note: FASD-CAN is including information on the subject of sexuality which some may feel is sensitive and emotive, and some of the views expressed in links here are not necessarily endorsed by us. However, we do this because people with FASD struggle in this area, and if the subject is ignored it can become very problematic.

This can be a tricky and emotive subject, but it's an extremely important one. It's very common for those affected by FASD to experience some complex issues around emerging sexuality which can become serious.

As the NOFASD (Australian) website says, "Due to individual differences in learning and cognition it can take longer for people with FASD to understand norms and boundaries around sexuality, and people with FASD are highly represented as both victims and perpetrators of inappropriate sexual behaviours."

Adolescents and teens with FASD are usually surrounded by their peers talking about sex, or beginning relationships – it can be a minefield of confusing messages which must be repeatedly clarified for tamariki and rangatahi with FASD.

In addition, any young person with FASD who has a smartphone can access the internet where they will find, or be shown, pornography. This is a big subject and something that all parents must be be ready for. See tab below for helpful information on this topic.

Because young people with FASD want to be included, they can also be a target for sexual advances by others – or can become involved in coercion themselves.

Don't wait till the teenage years to have conversations about sexuality: a recent Canadian study found that the average age for emerging Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour (ISB – see below) is ten years old.

So it's essential for children and young people with FASD to receive early, clear information around what is and what is not appropriate, alongside supervision where necessary. Chats about sexuality should be regularly revisited and ideas repeated as necessary.