Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
FAS is caused by alcohol exposure during the mother’s pregnancy. Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in disabilities related to learning, behavior, or physical development. The Mayo Clinic explains, “There is no amount of alcohol that’s known to be safe to drink during pregnancy. If you drink during pregnancy, you place your baby at risk.”(para. 3) Early treatment can lessen some of the issues associated with the condition.
Physical development issues can appear as slow growth before and after birth, taking longer to reach milestones, and hyperactivity. Learning problems can include learning disorders, trouble with memory, learning new things, and focusing. Individuals with FAS face challenges in school, with attendance, adapting to change, or problems managing life skills such as managing money.
Why Does It Occur?
Individuals with the condition are exposed to alcohol before birth. Alcohol passes from the mother’s blood through the umbilical cord to the baby. Alcohol can cause developmental problems even before a woman knows that she’s pregnant.
How Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnosed?
The Centers for Disease Control states, “FAS represents the most involved end of the FASD spectrum. People with FAS have central nervous system (CNS) problems, minor facial features, and growth problems.” (para. 6) Other related conditions include partial FAS, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, alcohol-related birth defects, and neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Diagnosis is determined by symptoms displayed during a child’s early years.
Can It Be Cured?
Early treatment can help improve the child’s development, but there is no cure. The Centers for Disease Control explains, “Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years of age (36 months) learn important skills. Services include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others. If you think your child has an FASD or other developmental problem, talk to their healthcare provider as soon as possible.”(para. 2).
Fetal alcohol syndrome is a developmental disability. At Echoing Hills, we are committed to revolutionizing the lives of those with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Through quality care and support, our mission is to demonstrate the love of Jesus Christ.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352901
https://www.cdc.gov/fasd/about/index.html#:~:text=FASDs%20can%20occur%20when%20a,time%20to%20drink%20during%20pregnancy.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352907#:~:text=Although%20fetal%20alcohol%20syndrome%20can,months%20and%20years%20of%20life.
https://www.cdc.gov/fasd/treatment/index.html#:~:text=There%20is%20no%20cure%20for,walk%2C%20and%20interact%20with%20others.
https://ehvi.org/about-us/mission-history/
