Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)? Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) refers to the range of problems caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol (exposure to alcohol during pregnancy)., the alcohol crosses the placenta from her blood into the baby’s bloodstream and the baby is exposed to similar concentrations of alcohol as the mother.

The effects of alcohol on a fetus include:

• in some cases
• triggering of changes in the development of the baby’s face
• resulting in certain facial features

Babies severely affected by FASD are at risk of dying before they are born. Not all babies exposed to alcohol develop FASD. The risk of harm to the fetus is highest when prenatal exposure to alcohol occurs regularly or due to frequent binge drinking., United States’s main health research organization, recommends that for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, not drinking alcohol is the safest option.

An accurate diagnosis of FASD is important#

It can help provide appropriate care for the child and prevent FASD happening again in any later pregnancy. The three main features used to make a diagnosis of FASD are: a history of prenatal alcohol exposure. Facial features that may be associated with FASD include: a thin upper lip.

Learning and behavioral problems may include:

• slow growth before
• after birth

In severe cases, FASD may be diagnosed at birth, but in many cases, the diagnosis occurs later, when the child is having problems with learning or behavior. Sometimes, the condition is never diagnosed.

Children grow and develop at different speeds#

If you’re worried about your child’s development it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor or maternal and child health nurse. FASD causes lifelong disability and cannot be cured, but a person with FASD can be assisted by programs to help them with their learning and behavior. Such assistance can enable a person with FASD to maximize their independence and achievements.

Treatment programs are individualized and are usually coordinated by a developmental pediatrician. A wide range of educational and behavioral strategies have been shown to be effective in children with FASD, and stimulant medication may be helpful for the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

If a woman drinks alcohol while she is pregnant harm to the development of the fetal nervous system, including the brain under-nourishment of the growing baby To avoid FASD, avoid alcohol when pregnant The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Diagnosis of FASD significant problems with learning and behavior certain facial features that are known to be associated with FASD short horizontal length of the eye opening, from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye a smooth philtrum (the usually ridged area of skin between the upper lip and the nose) learning difficulties memory problems impulsiveness limited attention span, ease of distraction or hyperactivity difficulty relating actions to consequences difficulty following instructions (but able to repeat them verbally) difficulty with abstract thinking – such as about mathematics, money or time slow cognitive processing (thinking) difficulty with social relationships Other findings that are seen more commonly in children with FASD are Congenital anomalies FASD – Characteristics across the lifespan The American Guide to the diagnosis of FASD Treatment of FASD

Where to get help#

Key Points#

• Babies severely affected by FASD are at risk of dying before they are born
• accurate diagnosis of FASD is important
• It can help provide appropriate care for the child and prevent FASD happening again in any later pregnancy
• three main features used to make a diagnosis of FASD are: a history of prenatal alcohol exposure
• Treatment programs are individualized and are usually coordinated by a developmental pediatrician