What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

by Anna Glendenning | More from this Blogger

25 Feb 2006 07:03 AM

Regardless of what method of adoption a family chooses newborn, international or children from the foster care system no one can be sure, other then the birthmother, that a baby or child was not exposed prenatally to alcohol.

Prenatal alcohol exposure is perhaps one of the most frightening issues adoptive parents must consider. In many cases, the effects of alcohol on the development of the brain are more damaging to an unborn baby than any other drug exposure might be.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a medical diagnosis for a set of physical and cognitive symptoms of prenatal exposure to alcohol. The criteria for FAS is very specific and is the most extreme end of a continuum of alcohol related effects.

In order for a diagnosis of FAS to be made specific criteria in three areas must be met:

1) Small size:

• Low Weight,
• Short Length,
• And, small head circumference.

2) Evidence of central nervous system involvement such as brain differences:

• Affecting learning,
• High and low Activity levels,
• High or low Sensitivity,
• and, other irregular nervous system matters not explained by other issues.

3) A Collection of facial characteristics

• Small eye openings,
• Thin upper lip,
• Small jaw,
• Flat, or elongated philtrum (grove above lip)
• and, Simply formed, low set ears.

Fetal Alcohol exposure may not result in full blown FAS as there is a wide range of damage that might result which does not fit the criteria for FAS. Children without full FAS are more difficult to identify because they may have few of no observable physical effects.

A larger group of people exposed to alcohol before birth, may have significant brain difference yet the only symptoms of their disability may be seen in their behaviors. Researchers are now referring to this group of people as having Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND). There is an estimated number of 160-350 per 1,000 people dealing with what has been referred to as an "invisible physical handicapping condition."(Streissguth 1996).

My next blog entry will discuss some of the behaviors adoptive parents might see in a child who suffers from Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder. If you are concerned and want to learn more now Diane Malbin, M.S.W. has written some fantastic information to help parents understand what is going on with an alcohol exposed child. You might also post on the Families.com Forum or get support from other families raising FAS and ARND children on my personal website.

Related Blogs:

• At Least--3 Reasons Not To Drink While Pregnant.
• The One Reason to Never-Ever Have Even 1 Drink While Pregnant!
• Behavior Characteristics: For People Affected By Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Special Needs and Adoption-Related Terms: A | B | C | D | E-F | G-H-I | J-K-L | M | N-O | P | Q-R | S | T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z

For more information about parenting special needs children you might want to visit the Families.com Special Needs Blog and the Mental Health Blog. Or visit my personal website.

Learn more about Anna Glendenning

Anna Glendenning is a mother of four. Two biological children grown and out of college, and two siblings and adopted together in 2003. Anna's Personal Website http://www.adoptiveparentsnetwork.

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