In the context of FASD, alexithymia specifically refers to what?

Alexithymia is defined as the inability to recognize and identify one's own emotions. In the context of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), individuals may experience difficulties in understanding their emotional states, which can lead to challenges in emotional regulation and social interactions. This disconnect can significantly impact their relationships and their ability to navigate everyday situations that require emotional insight.

While the ability to express feelings with words pertains to verbal communication of emotions, it does not capture the core issue of alexithymia, which centers on recognizing those emotions in the first place. Cognitive development is related but broader in scope and does not specifically define the emotional recognition aspect. Social withdrawal due to anxiety may be a consequence of difficulties in emotional awareness, but it does not specifically describe the inability to recognize one’s emotions, which is at the heart of alexithymia.