Growth deficiency throughout child's lifetimeSleep and sucking problems at birthSignificant, permanent central nervous system damage, especially to the brain, causing a vast variety of neurological disordersFacial abnormalities, such as a thin upper lip and small eye openingsCognitive and functional disabilities like poor memory, learning disabilities, Attention Deficit Disorder, poor coordination, impulsive behavior, anger mismanagement, poor judgment and moreHeart murmurKidney abnormalitiesJoint abnormalitiesCleft lip or cleft palateWebbed neckShort neckSpina bifidaPoor fine and gross motor skillsLow level performance on standardized cognitive testsMental retardation or severely low IQSpeech and language delaysMental health problemsDrug addictionLack of social communication (intrudes into conversations, cannot read social cues)Trouble with law enforcementInappropriate sexual behavior starting in teensDependence upon group homes or assisted living programsDifficulty finding or keeping employmentApproaches to Treating Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
There is no cure for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, but there are many ways in which it can be treated. In addition to confronting FAS's many physical disabilities, all other problems must be addressed.
A child born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has a better chance of leading a higher quality life if he:
lives in a stable, violence-free homeis diagnosed with FAS at an early ageattends developmental disability servicesqualifies for high quality medical interventionattends special education servicesif behavioral interventions are begun at an early age.If the child has an advocate on behalf of their needsHowever, not all interventions are successful in the long run. A child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome still runs the risk of living adult life in a group home, suffering from unemployment, becoming involved in alcohol or drugs, or spending time incarcerated.Preventing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
The only true prevention for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is complete abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy. If a woman is drinking and knows she is pregnant, she can still prevent damage to her unborn fetus by stopping as soon as possible. If she finds it difficult to stop, she should seek help through her physician, Alcoholics Anonymous, or a rehabilitation center. Hopefully, she will have the support of her spouse, family members, and possibly a counselor or clergyman.
The community can also share in preventing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome by organizing community education and support. Health care professionals can be more vigilant about screening mothers for alcohol abuse during prenatal visits. And Fetal Alcohol Syndrome should be made a national problem so mothers everywhere are educated about its effects.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a severe, sometimes fatal disorder caused by a pregnant woman's abuse of alcohol. The consequences of FAS can be felt for a lifetime, not only for the child who suffers, but for all who know and care for him.
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