Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) refers to the range of problems caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol (exposure to alcohol during pregnancy).
If a woman drinks alcohol while she is
pregnant
, the alcohol crosses the placenta from her blood into the baby’s bloodstream and the baby is exposed to similar concentrations of alcohol as the mother.
The effects of alcohol on a fetus include:
harm to the development of the fetal nervous system, including the brain
under-nourishment of the growing baby
in some cases, triggering of changes in the development of the baby’s face, resulting in certain facial features.
Babies severely affected by FASD are at risk of dying before they are born.
Not all babies exposed to alcohol develop FASD. The risk of harm to the fetus is highest when prenatal exposure to alcohol occurs regularly or due to frequent binge drinking.
To avoid FASD, avoid alcohol when pregnant
The
National Health and Medical Research Council
(NHMRC)
External Link
, Australia’s main health research organisation, recommends that for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, not drinking alcohol is the safest option.
Diagnosis of FASD
An accurate diagnosis of FASD is important. It can help provide appropriate care for the child and prevent FASD happening again in any later pregnancy.
The three main features used to make a diagnosis of FASD are:
significant problems with learning and behaviour
certain facial features that are known to be associated with FASD
a history of prenatal alcohol exposure.
Facial features that may be associated with FASD include:
short horizontal length of the eye opening, from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye
a smooth philtrum (the usually ridged area of skin between the upper lip and the nose)
a thin upper lip.
Learning and behavioural problems may include:
learning difficulties
memory problems
impulsiveness
limited attention span, ease of distraction or hyperactivity
difficulty relating actions to consequences
difficulty following instructions (but able to repeat them verbally)
difficulty with abstract thinking – such as about mathematics, money or time
slow cognitive processing (thinking)
difficulty with social relationships
Other findings that are seen more commonly in children with FASD are
Congenital anomalies
, slow growth before and after birth and delayed development. Detailed information about the characteristics of FASD can be found in the NOFASD fact sheet ‘
FASD – Characteristics across the
lifespan
External Link
’.
The
Australian Guide to the diagnosis of
FASD
External Link
sets out the diagnostic criteria to help doctors make a diagnosis of FASD. These guidelines were updated in 2020.
In severe cases, FASD may be diagnosed at birth, but in many cases, the diagnosis occurs later, when the child is having problems with learning or behaviour. Sometimes, the condition is never diagnosed.
Children grow and develop at different speeds. If you’re worried about your child’s development it’s a good idea to speak with your GP or maternal and child health nurse.
Treatment of FASD
FASD causes lifelong disability and cannot be cured, but a person with FASD can be assisted by programs to help them with their learning and behaviour. Such assistance can enable a person with FASD to maximise their independence and achievements.
Treatment programs are individualised and are usually coordinated by a developmental paediatrician. A wide range of educational and behavioural strategies have been shown to be effective in children with FASD, and stimulant medication may be helpful for the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Where to get help
Your
GP (doctor)
FASD Hub
Australia
External Link
NOFASD (National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum
Disorders)
External Link
. Tel.
1800 860 613
DrugInfo
External Link
. Tel.
1300 85 85 84
DirectLine
External Link
. Tel.
1800 888 236
– for counselling and referral
FASD support
groups
External Link
. Tel.
1300 306 238
Alcohol and Drug
Foundation
External Link
Tel.
1300 85 85 84