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definition
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Syndrome (FASD), often referred to as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), and other Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBDs) are a series of birth disabilities related to alcohol. FASD is a pattern of mental and physical problems that may occur in some children whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. While the baby is developing in the mother, any alcohol the mother drinks is passed to the developing child. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is now regarded as one of the leading causes of mental retardation in the US. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that reported rates of FASD vary widely. Currently, it is estimated that Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (the most severe form) is seen in 0.2 to 1.5 per 1,000 live births in the US.
Children identified as suffering from FASD have lifelong behavioral,
intellectual and physical difficulties. Not all babies and children
are affected the same way and the severity of symptoms is characterized
along a spectrum of mild to severe problems. Some children may show
no effects, while others may have severe mental retardation and
physical abnormalities. Children will not outgrow FASD, but the
types of problems will change as the child grows older and faces
new developmental challenges. Drinking during any stage of pregnancy may cause FAS or FAE. The more frequently alcohol is used, the higher the risk to the baby. Binge drinking increases the risk of birth defects. To be safe, it is best if women avoid any alcohol if they think they may be pregnant. Some studies suggest that fathers who drink heavily just before the conception of the baby may adversely affect the baby, but the research is not definite. |
Disabilities 
