What are FASDs?

What are the common characteristics?

How common are FASDs?

Diagnosis

Treatment

Can FASDs be prevented?

How can I learn more?

FASD Key Terms (Glossary)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are permanent birth defects caused by the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. The term FASD encompasses the full spectrum of disabilities related to prenatal alcohol exposure. However, FASD is not a diagnosis. Currently, only Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) has clear guidelines for diagnosis.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the most well known of all alcohol induced birth defects and is often considered the tip of the iceberg. Alcohol Related Birth Defects and Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder account for the majority of FASDs.

FASDs are not limited to any specific population; they cross all social and cultural boundaries. All children, regardless of ethnic, social, or cultural background are at risk of being born with an FASD if the mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy. In addition, they are not limited to the children of women who have a history of alcohol abuse. Research has shown that alcohol can affect the development of the fetus in the first few weeks of pregnancy - before a woman even knows she's pregnant.

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FASDs are characterized by prenatal and postnatal growth deficiencies, delays in development (physical, social, emotional, and behavioral), damage to the central nervous system, and learning disabilities. In addition, many people who have an FASD have problems with memory, motivation, speech, language, attention, and behavior, as well as abstract concepts such as time, money, planning, and understanding the consequences of their actions or the actions of others.

Facial characteristics often include widely spaced eyes with narrow openings, extra folds of skin along the inner eye, a short nose, an elongated space between the bottom of the nose and the upper lip, a thin upper lip, a small mouth with an arched palate, a missing or unpronounced groove between the nose and the upper lip, and ear abnormalities. However, not every individual with an FASD expresses all of these. Sometimes the characteristics are so subtle that they are missed by people who are not familiar with FASDs.

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FASDs are the leading cause of developmental disability in the western world. The incidence of FASDs is nearly twice that of Down Syndrome and five times that of Spina Bifida. In the United States, between 0.5 and 2 per 1000 infants are born with FAS. The United States estimates about 1% of all infants are born with an FASD. In specific high risk populations, FASDs have been documented at much higher rates. Alaska, for example, estimates 16 per 1,000 live births between 1995 and 1999 were affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol.

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Screening
An important step toward the diagnosis of FASDs is formal and informal screening conducted by health and education professionals. The purpose of screening is to identify triggers (or conditions) known to be associated with FAS or related disorders. If enough triggers are present, a referral for diagnosis is facilitated.  

Diagnosis
Clear guidelines for referral and diagnosis are currently only available for FAS. The best approach to diagnosis is within the context of a multidisciplinary assessment. Four major components of the diagnostic criteria include the presence of certain facial characteristics, growth problems, central nervous system abnormalities (e.g., structural, neurological, or functional problems that associate with prenatal alcohol exposure), and known alcohol consumption by the mother during pregnancy.

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Treatments for FASDs vary based on the specific needs of the affected individual and their family. General FASD services that are considered universally beneficial include a nurturing and structured home environment and FASD-related educational opportunities for parents and service provider. Parents and caregivers are vital to the process of treatment planning.  

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FASDs are 100% preventable if a woman abstains from alcohol use during pregnancy. Primary prevention efforts are central to the reduction of alcohol affected births. Secondary prevention efforts (also known as early intervention) can prevent secondary disabilities associated with FASDs.

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We have a number of links to websites that specialize in FASDs, as well as articles and books that you may find helpful. Take a look at our Resources for Families page or our Resources for Professionals page. In addition, in the future we will be offering education and training. Check back for updates and more information.

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