Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) according to the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome describes the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These affects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with lifelong implications.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders is not a diagnosed rather, it is a term that is used to describe a wide-range of effects on a person whose mother drank alcohol during her pregnancy. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, show in three areas: abnormal facial characteristics, slowed growth and the central nervous system.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders affects each person differently. Signs and symptoms include the following:
- Abnormal facial features including a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip
- Small head size
- Shorter than average height
- Poor coordination
- Hyperactive behavior
- Difficulty with attention
- Poor memory
- Difficulty in school
- Learning disabilities
- Speech and language delays
- Intellectual disability or low IQ
- Poor reasoning and judgement skills
- Sleep and sucking problem
- vision and hearing problems
- Seizures
- Processing information
- Problems with the heart and kidneys
- Poor concept of time
- Trouble getting along with others
- Staying on task