In the courtroom, an accused with FASD may:

• not be able to behave according to the conventions and solemnity of the courtroom
• not understand the severity of his/her situation
• act inappropriately and or act impulsively or without inhibition
• be overly friendly, aggressive or withdrawn
• appear to have no remorse or consideration for others involved in the case.

Two common reactions of those with sensory processing difficulties are to either shut down or act out.   When a person with FASD shuts down, he or she may “go flat”, limiting his or her response to “I’m too stupid” or “I don’t know.”   Conversely, the accused with FASD may act out with rage.