|
Home » FASD FAQs
Definition and Causes
Issues for Families
Definition and Causes
What are FASDs?
The term ‘Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders’ (FASD) describes a range of birth defects that can occur in any baby whose birth mother drank alcohol anytime during pregnancy.
'FASD' is not a diagnosis, but refers to a group of conditions. Even though each condition "or disorder" has unique features, all FASDs can result in physical, mental, and behavior problems, as well as learning disabilities. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most common and most serious disorder. Others are Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND) and Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS). Other terms used less often include Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE).
For more information:
Back to Top
How are FASDs caused?
FASDs can happen only when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol.The alcohol in a pregnant woman’s body crosses into the baby’s blood, which can damage the brain and lead to an FASD.
For more information:
Back to Top
How common are FASDs?
Overall, FASDs affect an estimated 40,000 babies every year in the United States. Statistics for specific disorders (all U.S. figures):
- FAS affects between 5 and 20 per 10,000 live births. Among some Native American tribes, the rate is as high as 15 to 25 per 10,000.
- FAS, ARND, and ARBD combined affect at least 100 per 10,000 live births.
For more information:
Back to Top
How are FASDs prevented?
FASDs are 100% preventable. The only sure way to prevent FASDs is to totally avoid alcohol while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, or after having unprotected sex where it was possible to get pregnant. Current research shows that no amount of alcohol is sure to be safe to drink at any time during pregnancy.
For more information:
Back to Top
Does heavier drinking during pregnancy cause more harm to the baby?
No amount of alcohol during pregnancy is guaranteed to be safe. However, it is true that women who drink heavily during pregnancy increase the risk of alcohol-related damage to their babies.
For more information:
Back to Top
Issues for Families
How are FASDs diagnosed?
Diagnosing FASDs can be difficult. If a birth mother drinks during pregnancy, being honest with her doctor will help avoid a wrong diagnosis. For the child, the earlier the diagnosis the better. A doctor can make a diagnosis alone, but may also seek opinions from other experts. The best treatment for FASDs will involve a range of healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, speech pathologists, social workers, and certain kinds of therapists.
For more information:
Back to Top
Can FASDs be cured?
No, FASDs cannot be cured, but with proper diagnosis, treatment, and a support network of family and friends, many people with an FASD can learn coping skills and lead happy lives.
Back to Top
Are FASDs genetic or hereditary?
There is no evidence that FASDs are hereditary or genetic. In other words, FASDs do not "run in the family."
Back to Top
Can an FASD be passed along through breast milk?
Alcohol in breast milk is not linked to FASDs. However, when a woman who is breastfeeding drinks alcohol, some of that alcohol does enter her breast milk. Research shows that alcohol in the milk can harm a child's development, sleep, and learning.
For more information:
Alcohol’s Effect on Lactation
Back to Top
What costs are associated with FASDs?
- The estimated lifetime cost of caring for a person with an FASD is between $1.4 million and $1.5 million.
- For one individual with FAS, the most severe form of FASD, the lifetime cost is estimated at $2 million. The overall costs of FAS for our nation as a whole may be as high as $6 billion each year. These estimates do not include costs such as time lost from work, the burden on families, and poor quality of life.
For more information:
Back to Top
What are the main concerns for parents and family of a child with an FASD?
Parents of children with FASDs face unique challenges. A child with an FASD may get into trouble or act out, they may need to be told things many times, and they may do things without understanding the consequences. When they get older, they may not be able to live alone.
However, studies have shown that early diagnosis and a stable, positive environment can improve the outlook for people with an FASD. Several groups have developed materials to help parents and family members.
For more information:
Adoptive parents can refer to:
Back to Top
For a printer friendly version, select here to download FASD FAQs in Adobe PDF format.
Adobe™ PDF and MS Office™ formatted files require software viewer programs to properly read them. Click here to download these FREE programs now.
|
