With so many questions swirling around children’s health and development, it’s essential to have clear, factual information at your fingertips. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a topic that often arises, affecting up to 9.9% of children in the U.S. in the form of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). In this post, we’ll break down what these terms mean, the symptoms, their relation to autism, and tools you can use to navigate FAS related challenges. Knowledge is power, and even a little understanding about such a widespread issue can make a world of difference. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
What Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Have you ever heard of FAS before? It stands for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which refers to a range of physical and mental birth defects found in children who were exposed to alcohol while in the womb. It’s pretty concerning, right? Unfortunately, there’s no known safe amount of alcohol that pregnant women can drink without risking harm to their unborn child. While heavy and binge drinking can lead to more severe cases of FAS, even small amounts of alcohol can result in FASDs.
But what are FASDs? There is an important distinction between FAS and FASD. Think of it like this: FAS is one strand in the larger web of alcohol-related disorders. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is the general term for that broader spectrum or range.
The various disorders found within FASD include:
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
- Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)
- Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (PFAS)
- Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)
Signs and Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
When it comes to diagnosing FAS, doctors often look for specific symptoms that are common in affected children. Although every child with FAS is unique, there are a few things that typically stand out. For one, many children with FAS experience issues with their central nervous system. They may also have difficulty with fine motor skills, such as holding onto objects, and often have a lower-than-average weight and height. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for children with FAS to have a smaller head circumference than what’s considered typical.
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Sometimes, certain facial features can result from FAS. These could be a thin upper lip, flattened mid-facial regions, or skin folds that cover their eyes’ inner corners.
According to the CDC, other general symptoms of FASDs include:
- Learning disabilities
- Poor memory
- Low IQ
- Heart problems
- Attention issues
- Difficulty with math
- Poor impulse control
- Trouble organizing and planning
This is an overwhelming list! But remember, someone with FAS or an FASD does not necessarily have all of these symptoms. A specialized healthcare professional is helpful and important for an accurate diagnosis.
Causes and Preventions of FAS
The reason alcohol can be so damaging to babies is that alcohol is a teratogen. A teratogen is a toxic agent that causes an embryo to form with defects.
The good news? FASDs are preventable! If pregnancy is even on the table, avoiding alcohol altogether is your safest option. Sometimes it takes up to six weeks for someone to even know that they are pregnant, so being proactive is important.
If you are trying to stop drinking alcohol but are finding it to be quite a challenge, we highly encourage getting help. You can find great resources through the CDC here.
What Is the Difference between FASD and Autism?
Children with FASDs and Autism (ASD) often have similar attributes. They are both spectrum disorders, and they both impact brain function, social interaction, and behavior. However, according to Sprout Therapy, many children with FAS are much more social than those with autism. One study also suggests that those with FAS tend to struggle less with repetitive and restrictive behaviors than they do communicative ones.
Children can (and often are) diagnosed with both autism and FASD. Ultimately, however, it is important to have a specialist make the call.
Read More: Child Development
Next Steps After FAS Diagnosis
While FASDs are life-long disorders that can not be cured, research suggests that intervening early can make a big difference.
According to the CDC, “protective factors” can also benefit those diagnosed with FASDs. Protective factors are factors that can reduce the negative impact of something. In this case, they would include a stable home environment, the absence of violence in childhood, and taking advantage of special education programs.
One helpful tool that parents and clinicians are finding helpful for children with disabilities to reach their full potential is Goally. Goally helps kids with all different backgrounds learn how to become independent by giving them a personalized and interactive visual schedule.
There are also many helpful Fetal Alcohol Syndrome organizations. Here a few:
- National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- FAFASD
- Families Moving Forward Program
Editor’s note: This information is not meant to diagnose or treat and should not take the place of personal consultation, as needed, with a qualified healthcare provider and/or BCBA.
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Wrapping Up
In wrapping up, understanding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is crucial due to its prevalence and long-lasting effects. Although FAS and FASDs can bring about unique challenges, remember that early intervention, a stable home environment, and utilization of specialized tools can play pivotal roles in managing symptoms and improving life quality. While there’s no cure for FAS, with awareness, proactive prevention, and adequate support, children affected by FAS can thrive in their unique ways. As we forge ahead, let’s continuously empower ourselves with knowledge, compassion, and tools to support these remarkable children and their futures.
FAQs About Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Can Fetal Alcohol Syndrome be diagnosed prenatally? Yes, FAS can be suspected prenatally based on the mother's history of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and certain ultrasound findings, but definitive diagnosis usually happens after birth.
What are the primary symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? The primary symptoms of FAS include growth deficits, distinct facial features, and central nervous system issues, including intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Is there a cure for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? There's no cure for FAS, but early intervention can help manage symptoms, and supportive therapies can improve the quality of life for those affected.
How does Fetal Alcohol Syndrome affect a child's learning capabilities? FAS can lead to cognitive deficits, impacting learning abilities, memory, attention span, and problem-solving skills, thus requiring specialized educational strategies.
What supportive strategies can help children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome succeed in school? Visual schedules, emotional regulation apps, and reward systems are helpful tools in enhancing learning and behavior management for children with FAS.
This post was originally published on 06/01/2021. It was updated on June 19, 2023.
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