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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Fetal Alcohol Effects Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder Alcohol-Related Birth Defects. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Fetal Alcohol Effects Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder Alcohol-Related Birth Defects
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders • In mid-April of 2004, the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS) brought together experts to create terminology addressing the broad effects associated with prenatal alcohol exposure
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders • As a result, a definition for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) was developed: • “ (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications.”
FASD History • Knowledge of the harm linked between alcohol and a fetus is not new (centuries old) • First ‘official’ documentation in 1899 • Breakthrough in 1960’s and 1970’s: • In 1968 Dr. Paul Lemoine studied 127 children with features and symptoms related to prenatal alcohol exposure • In 1970’s further study in Seattle termed the condition “fetal alcohol syndrome” \ Source: Clarren, Sterling K. Recognition of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. JAMA. 1981;245(23):2436-2439. doi: 10.1001/jama.1981.03310480052033
FASD Prevalence • Approximated • On any given day in the United States, 10,657 babies are born… • 1 of these babies is HIV positive • 10 of these babies are born with Down Syndrome • 20 of these babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome • 100 of these babies are born with an alcohol related disorder (1 out of 100) • Source: FAS Community Resource Center
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) • Affects 1-3 babies per 1000 • FAS is the leading cause of intellectual delay • FAS is the leading cause of birth defects • Caused by a mother’s heavy drinking during pregnancy • Central nervous system (brain, spinal cord) damage • Untreated, this primary disability can lead to secondary disabilities • Environmental issues complicate the condition • Many FAS-affected children in foster care • FAS is irreversible
Four Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Criteria • Growth problems • Specific facial features • Central nervous system damage or dysfunction • Prenatal alcohol exposure • 4-Digit Diagnostic Code (WA State Diagnostic & Prevention Network)
Growth Problems • Growth retardation • Bone growth - prenatally and postnatally • Height • Weight • Head circumference • Heart malformations
Low Birth WeightSource: Clinical Advisor. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders/slideshow/585/#4
FAS Physical Characteristics • Facial characteristics • Small head • Small eyes • Large cheeks • Thin upper lip • Flat nose • Clinical presentation (AAFP, 2005)
Vision IssuesSource: Clinical Advisor. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders/slideshow/585/#2
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Cognitive Characteristics • Learning disabilities (differences) • Visual-spatial learning • Objects on table (remembered, not placed correctly) • Slower reaction times (eye movements - geometric patterns) • Difficulty planning, organizing • Difficulty letting go of problem-solving strategies, even when they do not work • Memory deficits • Early stages, rather than recall (different from Down’s Syndrome) • Attention deficits • May be misdiagnosed ADHD • May focus and maintain attention well, but shift attention poorly Source: NIAAA, Alcohol Alert, December 2000
Brain SizeSource: The Clinical Advisor. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. http://www.clinicaladvisor.com/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders/slideshow/585/#1
FAS Behavioral Problems • Poor impulse control • Difficulties with social interaction • Inappropriate sexual behavior • Substance abuse • Problems with the law
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Vignettes(Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, National Academies Press:1996. Page 54) http://books.nap.edu/books/0309052920/html/54.html#pagetop
Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) • Those affected with prenatal alcohol exposure • Those without all the symptoms of FAS • Growth deficiencies • Behavior problems • Substance abuse • Cognitive deficits • Some facial features • FAE now known as two diagnoses: Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, Alcohol-Related Birth Defects
Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder • Issues related to nervous system: • Communication problems • Memory problems • Learning disabilities (differences) • Visual & spatial skill problems • Problems with motor skills
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects • Defects in major organ systems: • Abnormal development • Underdevelopment • Heart • Kidneys • Eyes, ears • Skeleton
Is Any Amount of Alcohol Considered Safe? • There is no “safe” amount of alcohol consumption (Chart: MN Department of Health) • Most physicians will recommend pregnant women abstain from alcohol consumption • According to American Pregnancy Association: • 2-4 drinks, frequently, can lead to FAE • 5-6 drinks, frequently, can lead to FAS • According to Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (Institute of Medicine; National Academies Press: 1996, p. 68) • Effects of mild alcohol intake are controversial • Existing research suggests alcohol bingeing related to FAS
Protective Factors • Early diagnosis • Special education • Social services • Nurturing environment • Absence of violence (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities)
Common Issues Among FAS Babies • Sleep disturbances • Poor sucking response • Crying • Underdevelopment • Toilet training challenges • Distractibility, difficulty following directions • Disobedience Source: Teresa Kellerman, Coordinator, FAS Resource Center
Affected Individuals • Randy (ARND) • Matt (FAS) • Stefanie (FAS) • Sinja (FAS; English child living in Germany) • Patrichia Rose (FAS) • David with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (video, 2:48)
FAS: Real People Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Biological Basis (Youtube.com)
Resources • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnostic and Prevention Network (UW), 206-598-0555 • National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Washington State (Mill Creek), 206-940-2832 • Fetal Alcohol Drug Unit (UW), 206-543-7155