What is FASD - Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a set of physical, mental and neurobehavioural disorders which are a direct result of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
FASD affects 1 in 100 babies according to International Studies. This can be compared to the birth rates for Downs Syndrome which affects 1 in 1000 babies born.
FASD can occur when a woman drinks alcohol in her pregnancy. Studies have found that low level alcohol use can also affect the unborn baby.
There is no known safe amount of alcohol use in pregnancy – no alcohol – no risk.
FAS is the only disorder under the FASD umbrella to display the following facial features:
FAS Facial Features
A baby’s features are formed during the first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy. If the mother drinks during this period, then her child may be born with foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and the FAS face, as well as other foetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Many children with FASD are thought to be living without a diagnosis. Some of the invisible characteristics include:
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Attention deficits
Difficulty in learning from consequences
Poor impulse control
Confused social skills
Problem solving skills |
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Difficulty with abstract concepts (maths, time, money)
Hyperactivity
Memory deficits
Immature behaviour
Poor judgement |
If you are working with a child who displays some of these difficulties and you suspect maternal drinking during pregnancy then you may know a child with FASD.
Some children who have been diagnosed with FASD were first diagnosed with ADHD, ODD or simply told that their difficulties were down to poor parenting.
Thank you to NOFAS-UK for their information, help and support.
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