Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Confabulation: A Call to Action and a Need for Increased Awareness, Understanding, and Training among Criminal Justice, Forensic Mental Health, and Legal Professionals

Jerrod Brown,Vanessa Spiller4,

Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term for a set of disorders resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. Despite the prevalence in the general population, little research has been completed to understand the impact of these disorders on individuals, particularly when they are involved in nuanced and complex environments such as forensic settings, including the criminal justice system. Of particular concern is the veracity of information provided and the introduction of false memories and confabulation by those impacted by FASD. This article will introduce important information about FASD and confabulation, and how these two phenomena interact within criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal contexts. Finally, a need for training for professionals in the criminal justice, forensic mental health, and legal professions is discussed to bring light to this important topic, provide improved service and outcomes for those with FASD, and encourage further study

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