FASD in Adulthood: What Happens After Diagnosis?

A Future Shaped by What Works, Not What’s Expected

What happens after the diagnosis?

In this week’s episode of The FASD Success Show, Jeff Noble sits down with Joseph Munn, an adult with FASD who’s redefining what success looks like in adulthood — one built on connection, interdependence, and doing what works.

Joseph shares how finally getting his FASD diagnosis brought both clarity and questions, how he manages overwhelm in daily life, and what it really means to build a future that fits his brain, not someone else’s expectations.

His story is raw, practical, and full of wisdom for caregivers, professionals, and individuals living with FASD.

Meet Joseph Munn

Joseph Munn is an advocate, gamer, and self-advocate living with FASD. His diagnosis as an adult helped him understand decades of challenges — from school struggles to emotional regulation — and gave him the tools to build a life that works for him.

Joseph has spoken at national conferences, created advocacy projects, and worked with organizations to improve FASD awareness and supports across Canada. He’s also the son of Alicia Munn, who appeared on a previous episode of the show and has been a powerful voice for caregivers and families.

Through his honesty and insight, Joseph is helping change how we see adulthood with FASD — not as an endpoint, but as a new stage of growth.

In This Episode You’ll Hear

Understanding the Diagnosis
Joseph shares what it felt like to finally understand his brain after years of confusion. The diagnosis didn’t fix everything, but it gave him a map — and that made all the difference.

Managing Overwhelm in Real Life
From conferences to daily routines, Joseph opens up about how overstimulation and fatigue still show up — and the strategies that help him regulate and recover.

Interdependence Over Independence
Joseph reframes independence as interdependence — a network of support, technology, and relationships that help him live successfully and safely.

Smart Tech and Stability
From using smart home tools to gaming as a form of connection, Joseph shares how technology helps him stay organized and regulated — not isolated.

A Future Shaped by What Works
Joseph’s message to caregivers and self-advocates is simple: progress isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing what works — consistently and sustainably.

Why It Matters

For caregivers, Joseph’s story is a reminder that adulthood isn’t the finish line — it’s the next chapter.

Getting a diagnosis later in life can bring up grief, regret, and relief all at once. But it also opens the door to understanding, connection, and a future built on realistic supports.

His story highlights the importance of community, interdependence, and creativity in building stable lives for individuals with FASD.

A future shaped by what works is a future that lasts.

Watch or Listen to the Full Episode

Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dje8jBFUsG8 
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-fasd-success-show/id1492499195 
Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6ntB51glqYnRPmXCh6lOGq?si=f006bfa2966d4972 

Resources and Links

Join our Free Caregiver Community: facebook.com/groups/FASDForever 
Follow Jeff on Instagram: instagram.com/FASDSuccess 
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@FASDSuccess 
Full show notes and more: fasdsuccess.com/podcast