In Parkland trial, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are blamed for spawning a killer

9/17/2022

RawNews1st – This week, experts told a Broward jury that confessed Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz suffered severe brain damage as a result of his biological mother’s alcohol abuse. Brenda Woodard was known to abuse beer, wine and crack cocaine during pregnancy, multiple people testified.

The experts said Cruz’s behaviors were consistent with fetal alcohol syndrome, one of the conditions that fall under the umbrella of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, or FASDs.

The disorders are surprisingly common, occurring in up to 1 in every 20 children, said Tom Robinson, CEO of FASD United. “That’s more significant than autism and it’s quite alarming,” he said.

FASDs are caused by someone being exposed to alcohol before birth. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. With certain disorders, it only takes more than two alcoholic drinks in one sitting for the fetus to be affected.

“Of all the substances of abuse — including cocaine, heroin, (nicotine, and marijuana) — alcohol produces by far the most serious neurobehavioral effects in the fetus,” according to a 1996 report to Congress.

The effects vary but can cause delayed development, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, issues with motor skills, impulse control and socializing. Many children with the disorders have difficulty in school and getting along with others. They often end up suspended or expelled.

Researchers have seen a connection between FASD and run-ins with the law. A study published in the Journal of Mental Health and Clinical Psychology says “individuals with FASD are believed to be overrepresented in correctional settings.”

Note: Jarvis predicted the defense would actually prevail. The overwhelming evidence of guilt and premeditation, the “heinous atrocious and cruel” acts that resulted in 17 deaths, and the mental anguish suffered by wounded students who knew they were living through their last moments may well be offset by the recognition that the shooter suffered from mental health disorders that were long recognized but never adequately addressed.