Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Firesetting: An Exploratory Review

Abstract

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and characterized by lifelong cognitive, social, and adaptive deficits. This disorder can result in impaired executive functioning and other associated deficits (e.g., poor decision making, impulsivity, and an inability to comprehend cause and effect). These impairments place an individual at greater odds of becoming involved in the criminal justice system for illegal activities, possibly including firesetting. To this point, only anecdotal evidence and case study accounts have suggested a link between FASD and firesetting behavior. These observations suggest the need for mental health, fire, and forensic professionals to acquire a basic understanding of FASD and its relationship with known firesetting risks and motivations. This chapter will review: (1) relevant caregiver and case study accounts (2) possible etiological origins of firesetting behaviors among youth with FASD; (3) overlap in descriptive characteristics of youth with FASD and youth who set fires; (4) approaches to better identify and screen youth with FASD who may be at risk to set fires; and (5) appropriate fire-safety strategies as well as intervention and treatment approaches for youth with FASD who set fires. The goals of this chapter are two-fold; to raise awareness of the potential link between FASD and firesetting behavior and to facilitate further research into the role of FASD in firesetting. Proactive research is necessary to understand the etiology, prevalence, and appropriate interventions for youth with FASD who set fires.