What are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Prenatal alcohol exposure affects approximately 2% to 5% of school-age children in the U.S. A 2021 study found that 20% to 30% of mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol exposure in the womb can negatively impact all aspects of a child’s development.
In this blog, we’ll look at the following:
- What are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)?
- What are the different types of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders?
- What causes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders?
- How do you prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders?
- What are the signs and symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders?
- How are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders treated?
What are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs)?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FADs) are a group of conditions that babies are susceptible to when exposed to alcohol before birth. FADs typically manifest as physical, behavioral, and learning impediments.
What are the Different Types of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
FAS consists of several side effects of alcohol exposure in the womb.
Among these side effects, an individual with FAS may exhibit a combination of the following:
- Abnormal facial features (small head, thin upper lip, small eyes, etc.)
- Central nervous system problems
- Learning impairments
- Attention and memory problems
- Learning disabilities
- Vision problems
- Hearing problems
- Speech and communication problems
- Socialization problems
Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)
ARND impacts an individual cognitively and behaviorally. They may experience problems with learning, memory, paying attention, and impulse control.
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)
ARBD causes physical defects, including heart, kidney, and bone problems. They may also have auditory or vision problems and a compromised immune system.
Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE)
ND-PAE affects three critical areas of development, including:
- Cognition and memory: ND-PAE makes it difficult to absorb new information.
- Independent living: ND-PAE makes taking care of basic needs challenging, including bathing, dressing appropriately for the weather, and building relationships.
- Behavior: Individuals may struggle in social settings, throwing tantrums, exhibiting bipolar moods, and getting along with others.
What Causes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders?
FASDs are caused by exposure to alcohol while a fetus is still developing in the womb. That said, alcohol should be avoided entirely while pregnant and when trying to become pregnant. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that there’s no “limit” or “minimum” safe amount of alcohol you can consume during pregnancy.
How do you Prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders?
FASDs are 100% avoidable. Abstain from any amount of alcohol during pregnancy and if you’re actively trying to get pregnant. This is the only effective method to avoid FASDs.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders?
FASDs are a group of conditions varying in severity. When exposed to alcohol before birth, a baby may be born with one or multiple symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Some of these symptoms are detectable immediately following delivery, while others cannot be identified until certain developmental milestones.
Signs and symptoms of FASDs in a person include the following:
Physical Signs
- Low body weight
- Small head size
- Smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip (philtrum)
- Problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones
- Poor coordination
- Sleep and sucking problems as a baby
- Vision or hearing problems
- Shorter-than-average height and overall growth problems
Cognitive and Behavioral Signs
- Poor memory
- Learning disabilities
- Difficulty with attention
- Speech and language delays
- Difficulty in school (especially with math)
- Intellectual disability or low IQ
- Poor reasoning and judgment skills
- Hyperactive behavior
How are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Treated?
FASDs are lifelong. This further emphasizes the detrimental effects of exposing unborn children to alcohol. Thankfully, even though FASDs are incurable, treatments are available to support an individual’s physical and cognitive development.
Once the signs of one or more FASDs are apparent, early intervention is vital in aiding development. There are several treatment methods available for FASD symptoms.
Therapies and Holistic Treatments
Behavioral, cognitive, and holistic therapies offer alternative approaches to learning, building social skills, and mental health support.
These services help the individual improve areas of their life they struggle and can include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Biofeedback
- Yoga and meditation
- Exercise therapy
- Vitamin and supplements
- Acupuncture and acupressure
- Creative therapies (e.g., art therapy, nature walks, relaxation therapy, etc.)
- Animal-assisted therapy
Medication
Although there’s no medication designed to treat FASDs specifically, there are options to treat and manage symptoms. For example, individuals with FASD may struggle with paying attention and hyperactivity. Medications such as stimulants can aid in concentration and impulsive behavior.
Another example of how medication can relieve FASD symptoms includes using antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications to improve mental health. Other medicines, like neuroleptics, can help with problematic behavior.
Medical Services
Working with a medical specialist can help to improve physically manifested symptoms such as:
- Facial abnormalities with a plastic surgeon
- Auditory problems with an otolaryngologist or audiologist
- Sight problems with an ophthalmologist or optometrist
- Speech problems with a speech-language pathologist
- Immune system problems with an immunologist
- Digestive issues with a gastroenterologist
- Diet or feeding problems with a nutritionist
- Brain, spinal, nerve, or muscle problems with a neurologist
- Hormonal problems with an endocrinologist
- Physical issues with a physical therapist
- Related illnesses or diseases with an occupational therapist
Parent Training
Along with helping a child with FASDs, parents also need support. Due to the effects of FASDs, a child may not respond to standard parenting practices. Parent training aids parents with methods that are effective for their children.
Parents learn how to provide a stable home environment, especially during the school years. Tools taught in parent training support a child’s development in learning and behavior. Likewise, parents themselves may need a form of therapy or outlet to release stress and worry.
Soul Surgery Offers Holistic Approaches to Alcoholism Recovery
If you’re a parent-to-be or are currently trying to become pregnant and struggle with alcoholism, reach out. The effects of alcohol on an unborn child are detrimental and will likely impact them their entire life.
At Soul Surgery, we offer a variety of recovery treatments for alcohol addiction. With the proper support and motivation, sobriety is within your reach. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you with your future family goals.
