The Truth About Alcohol and Pregnancy
FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, behavioral, mental, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. FASD can include Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (PFAS), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) and central nervous system (CNS) problems.
- Of all substances of abuse, alcohol causes the most serious long term effects in a fetus, resulting in permanent brain damage
- FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation in western civilization and is 100% preventable
- Fewer than 10% of individuals with FAS are able to take care of themselves and live on their own, regardless of their IQ
- 15 year old children with FASD can have the social maturity of a 6 year old
There is no known safe amount of alcohol or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, stop drinking alcohol. If you are drinking alcohol, don't get pregnant.
Only trained professionals can diagnose individuals with disorders related to FASD. Most individuals with FASD are never diagnosed. This often happens with children who exhibit only the behavioral and emotional problems related to FASD, but do not display any signs of developmental delay or physical growth deficiencies. Problems related to pre-natal alcohol exposure can include language and motor delays, cognitive delays including mental retardation, facial abnormalities, heart defects, and vision and hearing problems. Children as young as six months can demonstrate difficulty integrating sensory stimuli and difficulty being comforted. Behavior problems, often severe, can present as young as twelve months of age.
FASD is a lifelong disability. There is no cure and no one can recover. The brain damage to an unborn baby that is caused when a mother drinks is permanent. However, FASD can be prevented if a woman does not drink alcohol while she is pregnant.
Problems associated with FASD tend to intensify as children move into adulthood. These can include mental health problems, troubles with the law, and the inability to live independently. The younger the child is diagnosed and appropriate interventions and services are initiated for the child/family, the higher the probability they will live independently and function well in society. Early diagnosis and intervention contribute to positive long-term outcomes that can lead to a more productive life.
If you think a child may have a fetal alcohol-related disorder, contact The Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic and Intervention Clinic at The Florida Center. This clinic can provide you with information on diagnostic evaluation and intervention services available in your area.