Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic and Intervention Clinic

The Florida Center for Child and Family Development is home to the State’s first and only Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic and Intervention Clinic. The purpose of the clinic is to diagnose alcohol-related disorders, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), as well as to provide education and training statewide on FASD.

FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most common and severe of the disorders. Each year in the U.S. between 35,000 and 40,000 babies are born with a fetal alcohol-related disorder.

Diagnosis
Most individuals with FASD are never diagnosed. Problems related to pre-natal alcohol exposure can include language and motor delays and cognitive delays which can include mental retardation, facial abnormalities, heart defects, and vision and hearing problems. Problems associated with FASD tend to intensify as children become adults.

The younger the child is diagnosed or identified with FASD and appropriate interventions and services are initiated, the higher the probability they will live independently and function well in society.

Education & Awareness
FASD is a lifelong disability. 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. Over 50% of women of childbearing age drink alcohol, and only 39% are aware of FASD.

The need for evaluations, training, and education is vital. FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation in western civilization. The saddest part is that it is one hundred percent preventable. Our vision for this program is to expand the clinic to key geographical areas of the state to better serve children and families in their own communities.