As height, body proportions, and facial characteristics of normal teenagers change, other less obvious transformations are taking place as well.
Normal teens begin to think in more abstract ways.
This affects their performance at problem-solving tasks as well as their social judgment and behavior. As the adolescent matures, his parents, teachers, and peers begin to expect more independent behavior, more self-control, and more advanced social skills from them. This change in expectations is stressful for all teens, but especially for those with FAS and their families. Families of adolescents with FAS also report that problems with behavior and conduct increase at this time. Earlier in childhood, individuals with FAS were not required to make complicated choices, understand moral decisions, structure their own time or plan for their own futures.