What really happens as people with FASD grow into adulthood and beyond?

In this episode of The FASD Success Show, Jeff Noble sits down with Dr. Valerie Temple to talk about brand-new Canadian research exploring how the FASD brain and body change with age — and what families, caregivers, and professionals need to know to support lifelong success.

Dr. Temple and her team analyzed data from over 400 adults across Canada to compare younger adults (18–24) with older adults (35+). What they found challenges a lot of assumptions about FASD, aging, and the brain.

In This Episode You’ll Learn
• Why older adults with FASD aren’t “less affected,” but show different patterns of strengths and challenges
• How executive function and attention improve for many adults, while memory and physical health issues increase
• Why substance use and mental health struggles remain high across adulthood — and what helps most
• How diagnosis and support systems can evolve to meet changing needs over time
• What this research means for caregivers, families, and self-advocates navigating adulthood

Why It Matters
For years, most FASD research has focused on children and youth. Dr. Temple’s 2025 study is one of the first to look closely at aging in FASD, providing real data on what support looks like across a lifetime.

The big takeaway: the FASD brain doesn’t stop changing. It adapts, learns, and keeps building new pathways. With the right support, growth and connection are possible at every age.

Watch the Full Interview
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZpjr6YGxH8

Listen to the Episode
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-fasd-success-show/id1492499195

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ntB51glqYnRPmXCh6lOGq?si=f006bfa2966d4972

Resources & Links
• Read the full study: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD): Comparing profiles of younger versus older adults

• Join our free Parent & Caregiver Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FASDFOREVER

• Follow Jeff on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FASDSuccess

• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@FASDSuccess

• Visit our website for show notes and articles: https://www.fasdsuccess.com/blog/new-research-on-fasd-and-aging-what-families-need-to-know

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