Curriculum for Addiction Professionals > Competency 2: Identification of FASD and Diagnosis of FAS > 5b. Growth Deficiencies
Competency 2: Identification of FASD and Diagnosis of FAS
FAS Diagnostic Criteria, Continued
Diagnostic References: Growth Deficiencies
To meet the growth retardation criteria of FAS, the primary parameters of growth
that need to be impaired are height, weight, head circumference, or a combination
thereof. The CDC guidelines specify confirmed prenatal or postnatal height or weight, or both,
at or below the 10th percentile, documented at any one point in time. The measurements
should be adjusted for age, sex, gestational age, and race or
ethnicity.
Again, family traits should be considered. Some families may tend to be smaller
or larger than the norm. The clinician would look for growth below genetic expectations
based on parental size.
Growth retardation and growth deficiencies occur in children, adolescents, and adults
for many reasons, such as poor nutrition. This could be a particular problem for
infants with poor sucking reflex who experience failure to thrive. In addition, several
genetic
disorders result in specific growth deficiencies (e.g., dwarfism).
Prenatal growth retardation can be due to a variety of factors, including maternal
smoking or other behaviors leading to hypoxia, poor maternal nutrition, or genetic
disorders. Both environmental and genetic bases for growth retardation should be
considered when diagnosing FAS.2