Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and related disorders such as Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND) are the most common form of developmental disability and birth defects in the western world.
What type of disability is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives.
Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome a physical disability?
FAS can be a severe disability that requires an immense amount of care and treatment throughout a child’s life, but it is also completely preventable. Refraining from alcohol during the entire pregnancy can ensure the baby does not develop this condition.
What does a child with fetal alcohol syndrome look like?
Distinctive facial features, including small eyes, an exceptionally thin upper lip, a short, upturned nose, and a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip. Deformities of joints, limbs and fingers. Slow physical growth before and after birth. Vision difficulties or hearing problems.
What are the signs of FASD?
Signs and Symptoms
- Low body weight.
- Poor coordination.
- Hyperactive behavior.
- Difficulty with attention.
- Poor memory.
- Difficulty in school (especially with math)
- Learning disabilities.
- Speech and language delays.
Does fetal alcohol syndrome get worse with age?
What are the most common symptoms of FASD? Only a small percentage of affected individuals have the set of facial features—which includes small eye openings, thin upper lip, and flat philtrum (groove under nose)—and growth delays that are most associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Both can diminish with age.
Can one drink cause fetal alcohol syndrome?
Myth: A single drink containing one ounce of alcohol during pregnancy, or occasionally during pregnancy, has been scientifically linked to affects that can be diagnosed as an FASD.
What is the life expectancy of a child with fetal alcohol syndrome?
Results: The life expectancy at birth of people with FAS was 34 years (95% confidence interval: 31 to 37 years), which was about 42% of that of the general population.
At what age can Fetal alcohol syndrome be diagnosed?
In the most severely affected children, FAS can be diagnosed at birth, however, the characteristic physical features are most pronounced between eight months and eight years of age.
How do you discipline a child with fetal alcohol syndrome?
Strategies
- Reward good behaviour: Praise your child for achievements. …
- Look for strengths: Emphasize your child’s strengths and abilities as often as you can.
- Use a safe place: Give your child a place to calm down, express anger or frustration where he is not penalized for acting out.
Is there a test for fetal alcohol syndrome?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnosis
There is no lab test that can prove a child has fetal alcohol syndrome.
What is the difference between fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a result of high doses of alcohol consumption during pregnancy such as binge drinking and/or drinking on a regular basis. Fetal Alcohol Effects are a result of moderate drinking throughout pregnancy.
What are the symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome in adults?
Additional physical effects of FAS that are apparent in adulthood may include:
- organ defects.
- bone growth issues.
- flattened philtrum (groove in the upper lip)
- smaller head circumference.
- smaller than normal eye openings.
- small or absent palpebral fissures (the space between the corner of the eye closest to the nose)
What are the 3 types of FASDs?
There are three types of FASDs: fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) and alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD).