Fetal Alcohol Syndrome by

Cause

kellismithnc — 2015-04-28 14:56:02 UTC

The only cause is a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The body of a developing fetus does not process alcohol the same way as an adult’s. The alcohol is more concentrated in the fetus, and can prevent enough nutrition and oxygen from getting to the vital organs.

A&P

kellismithnc — 2015-04-28 15:02:34 UTC

The baby's heart and brain are mostly affected and it causes problems in the central nervous system.

Symptoms

kellismithnc — 2015-04-28 15:03:11 UTC

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include:

--a small head --a smooth ridge between the upper lip and nose, small eyes, a very thin upper lip, or other abnormal facial features --below-average height and weight --hyperactivity --lack of focus --poor coordination --delayed development and problems in thinking, speech, movement and social skills --poor judgment --problems seeing or hearing --learning disabilities --mental retardation --heart problems --kidney defects and abnormalities --deformed limbs or fingers --mood swings

kellismithnc — 2015-04-28 15:07:41 UTC

Diagnosis

kellismithnc — 2015-04-28 15:13:58 UTC

Early diagnosis is recommended. To diagnose an child with FAS, the doctor must determine that he or she has abnormal facial features, slower than normal growth, and central nervous system problems. These nervous system problems could be physical or behavioral. They might appear as hyperactivity, lack of coordination or focus and learning disabilities.

Treatment

kellismithnc — 2015-04-28 15:17:33 UTC

FAS is incurable but some symptoms can be treated.

Special education can help very young children. For example, speech therapists can work with toddlers to help them learn to talk. Children with FAS do well with a regular routine, simple rules to follow, and rewards for positive behavior. Some medications can help with symptoms:

--Antidepressants treat problems with sadness and negativity --Stimulants treat lack of focus, hyperactivity, and other behavioral problems --Neuroleptics treat anxiety and aggression --Anti-anxiety drugs treat anxiety

Statistics

kellismithnc — 2015-04-28 15:24:20 UTC

--FAS is estimated to occur in 1 to 2 live births per every 1,000 in the United States each year. --Fetal alcohol exposure may increase the risk for later alcohol, tobacco, and drug dependence in adults.

--The lifetime cost per child affected with FAS is estimated to be $1.4 million.

Organizations

kellismithnc — 2015-04-28 15:26:18 UTC

--National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

--Fetal Alcohol Disorders Society

--Families Moving Forward Program

They offer support to families with members who suffer from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, raise awareness to the disorder and raise money to research it.

Additional Info

kellismithnc — 2015-04-28 15:29:10 UTC

FAS is rare, with only 20,000 to 200,000 cases each year in the US

Day in the Life

kellismithnc — 2015-04-28 15:36:27 UTC

Symptoms

kellismithnc — 2015-05-04 14:12:01 UTC

Citations

kellismithnc — 2015-05-04 14:13:01 UTC

Bergen, Teresa, and Winnie Yu. "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome." Healthline. 17 Sept. 2012. Web. 4 May 2015.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/data.html

http://oi62.tinypic.com/sq5v0m.jpg

http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh341/images/FAS%20Facefini.jpg