FASD 'fish hooks' in supported decison-making


There are a few ‘fish-hooks’ to think about when involved in supported decision-making. We know people with FASD may have difficulty making decisions due to a number of factors, including:

  • Slow processing speed: needing more time to think before responding. 
  • Lack of ability to understand abstract concepts: trouble understanding abstract concepts like time, money, and maths. 
  • Poor reasoning: having difficulty thinking through issues, problem-solving, and reasoning. 
  • Lack of understanding of cause and effect: tending to live in the moment and day-by-day, and having difficulty thinking ahead about possible consequences of their decisions.
  • Short attention span: having difficulty staying focused on a task. 
  • Poor concept of time: trouble understanding how long a task will take or when to leave to be on time. 
  • Impulsivity: being impulsive and prone to rash actions. 
  • Peer pressure: being susceptible to peer pressure. 

Some strategies that can help with decision-making include:

  • Reducing distractions: Try to reduce distractions when they need to make a decision. 
  • Giving them time: People with FASD may need more time to make decisions. 
  • Explaining consequences: Explain how decisions affect life outcomes. 
  • Helping them consider pros and cons: Help them consider the pros and cons of different options. 
  • Using FASD-informed communication strategies:  You can access the FASD-CAN FASD KiSSSSSS Communication strategy here: FASD KiSSSSSS Communication Strategy
  • Using specific techniques to check for true understanding (not mimicry):
    • Paraphrasing: Repeat what the other person has said to confirm understanding. 
    • Asking questions: Ask them open-ended questions to get engagement. When you don't understand something, ask for clarification. 
    • Active listening: Show that you've heard and understood the other person by repeating back what they've said. 
    • Feedback: Ask for feedback to confirm understanding. You can ask them to repeat your message back in their own words. Keep getting them to repeat this back until you are satisfied they have really understood the meaning behind the words.
    • Summarising: Identify the main points of the message (not every bit of it), and restating the ideas in their own words.