FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (FAS)
In the United States, FAS occurs in about 10 per 1,000 live births, or 40,000 babies per year. “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders” (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications.
Physical effects can include:
In the United States, FAS occurs in about 10 per 1,000 live births, or 40,000 babies per year. “Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders” (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications.
Physical effects can include:
- brain damage
- facial anomalies
- growth deficiencies
- defects of the heart, liver, and kidneys
- vision and hearing problems
- skeletal defects
- dental abnormalities
- taking information in
- storing information
- recalling information
- using information appropriately
- lower IQ
- learning disabilities
- lower level of adaptive functioning
- sensory integration issues (ex. Upset by loud noises, bright lights, tags on clothing, etc.)
- sensing where their body is in time and space (i.e. clumsy)
- memory problems
- information processing problems
- executive functioning deficits (goes with strangers, breaks rules repeatedly, does not learn from consequences and mistakes, has difficulties with time and money, typically does not respond to point, level, or sticker systems)
- self-esteem and personal care issues
- All alcoholic beverages can be harmful to a developing baby.
- Binge drinking is especially harmful.
- There is no proven safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy.
- The effects of FASD last a lifetime.
- People with FAS can grow, learn, and function with proper support.
