Abstract only.

Background: Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are up to nineteen times more likely to come into contact with the criminal justice system (CJS), reflecting a critical public health and safeguarding concern. Interrogative suggestibility and confabulation are theorised mechanisms heightening risk during investigative encounters, yet experimental evidence with young people remains limited.

Methods: We recruited 108 individuals with FASD (aged 11–18 years) from the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Republic of Ireland, constituting the largest cross national dataset focused on cognitive–forensic vulnerability in FASD. Participants completed a comprehensive battery including the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC V), CNS-VS, Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scales (GSS 1 & GSS 2), among others. Recruitment of controls is in progress.

Results: Full analyses for the 108 participant international sample (and controls) are underway. Results will be presented alongside previous preliminary findings from 52 adolescents with FASD, which showed significant memory impairments, elevated impulsivity, high immediate and delayed interrogative suggestibility, an average IQ of 78 (range 70–105), acceptance of false suggestions, and generation of confabulated narratives supporting inaccurate admissions.

Conclusion: The expanded dataset enables cross national comparison and modelling of cognitive profiles linked to forensic risk. Integrating executive, memory, and suggestibility measures can inform screening, interview adaptations, and pathway design across health, education, and policing to mitigate secondary harms and inequities.