F.A.S.FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME

Child Development I

Definition of FAS:

A birth defect that affects growth, the brain, and face. It is characterized by behavior problems, learning disabilities, pre/post-natal growth retardation, and specific facial abnormalities.

Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE): describes children who have some symptoms of FAS, but do not meet the full criteria for FAS.

Facts:

FAS was first defined in 1973 Found in all races and socio-economic

groups Between 1,300 and 8,000 infants are

born with FAS every year. Does not refer to an infant born drunk

or addicted to alcohol. Is not hereditary, because the birth

defects are not genetically linked.

Statistics about alcohol and pregnancy:

One out of every five pregnant women uses alcohol and/or drugs.

No safe amount of alcohol has been set for a pregnant woman. Even one drink a day has not been determined safe.

One standard drink is defined as one 12-oz bottle of beer, one 5-oz glass of wine, or one 1.5-oz shot of liquor.

The damage alcohol does can depend on how much, as well as when during the pregnancy the mother drinks.

How it happens:

The fetus is exposed to the same amount of alcohol as the mother and for a longer period of time.

A fetus cannot process alcohol. The level of alcohol in the fetus’s blood

is often two time higher than in the mother’s blood.

Drinking by the father may also affect a pregnancy.

Characteristics of FAS:

Mental retardation Slowed growth Central nervous system damage Head and facial abnormalities Behavioral abnormalities

Facial defects of FAS:

Why is FAS is hard to diagnose?

No one symptom alone can identify FAS There are no widely accepted medical test

to diagnose FAS Some behavioral and mental problems

may not develop until a child is older It is hard to get a good assessment of the

mother’s alcohol use. Many health care providers are unfamiliar

with and untrained in the issues of alcohol use among pregnant women.

FAS in infants:

Have poor sucking responsesFeeding problemsUneven sleeping and eating patternsOften cranky, easily distracted, and sensitive

FAS in young children:

Short attention spanPoor short-term memoryDelays in walking and talkingLow IQOften hyperactive

FAS in older children:

Poor social skillsBad judgmentTemper tantrumsRepeated instances of lying, stealing, and disobeyingUnable to think abstractly, separate fact from fantasy or problem-solve

FAS in adults:

Too talkative and/or impulsiveHungry for attentionUnable to think aheadCan’t understand dangerAct inappropriately for someone their age in social settings

TH

E B

OTTO

M LIN

E Don’t drink while your pregnant, A healthy baby is more important than a buzz!!!

FAS Open-note Quiz:

1. Define Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.2. List 3 of the 5 main characteristics of FAS3. What causes FAS? Can it be cured?4. List four possible facial defects of FAS.5. What is the difference between Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and

Fetal Alcohol Effects?6. Pick one and describe FAS in either an infant, young child,

older child or an adult?7. How does alcohol pass from the mother to the fetus?8. What aspects of the mother’s drinking determines the severity

of damage done to the fetus?9. Does FAS pass from one generation to the next? Why or why

not?10. How many drinks are safe for a pregnant woman to drink?