There are a series of reasons wherefore pregnant women are advised to avoid alcohol at all costs until they give birth. The fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one of them. The disorder refers to a few different effects caused by exposure to alcohol.
Some are cognitive, others are physical and behavioral. These effects do not simply occur during infancy, but will impact individuals over the entire life course, affecting different developmental aspects and daily functioning.
Exposure to alcohol has lifelong consequences for the fetus. Understanding this issue can help with the treatment, but also provide an efficient form of support. With this thought in mind, here’s everything you need to know about the disorder. So, what is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?
What Is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?
The disorder is a mix of more effects over the fetus, with the syndrome (carrying the same name) being the most significant one. Disabilities may affect the child’s behavior, let alone physical development and mental capabilities.
Such symptoms are lifelong and may vary from one patient to another.
In terms of health and safety, there is a zero-alcohol recommendation for pregnant women. No amount of alcohol is considered safe, so even a glass of wine could lead to such disastrous effects in the long run.
Sure, this isn’t the case in every situation, but the risk is too high to be overlooked.
Other than that, as they may learn in a traditional FASD CE course, pregnant women should consult a doctor as soon as they suspect their children may have the FASD. Diagnosing the issue early can help reduce the intensity of some problems.
Complete abstinence from alcohol during a pregnancy is the best way to prevent FASD , as any exposure increases risk.
Signs of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
The signs of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder tend to become obvious as the child starts developing. Problems affecting the central nervous system include learning issues, memory problems, hyperactivity, difficulty concentrating and solving problems, as well as poor impulse control. These challenges often translate to struggles in school and social environments.
As the child develops into a teenager, there might be issues with different concepts, such as money or even time.
Issues will also affect the child’s social life, as there will be problems adapting to different environments. Moods will change out of nowhere, while emotions will be difficult to keep under control. Such individuals also face difficulty when it comes to living by themselves.
Now, what is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder like from a physical perspective? Children are usually born with low weight. Their heads are smaller compared to those of normal babies. Their eyes may also be smaller. Another obvious sign is the upper lip, which is thinner than normally. These distinct facial features are hallmark indicators that clinicians look for during assessments.
Hearing and vision problems are just as common, not to mention heart issues. Kidney problems may also arise. Many affected children may also experience poor coordination and balance issues.
Early Signs of FASD
Generally speaking, early signs of FASD are almost impossible to detect. However, pregnant women should have regular checkups to ensure everything’s alright. A specialist may detect an unusually slow fetal growth.
At the same time, women who had alcohol during pregnancy should let their doctors know straight away, only to be able to counterattack some of its effects on babies. However, most of the damage is irreversible.
Diagnosis of FASD
FASD is usually diagnosed upon giving birth, as the specialist can observe some issues with the baby. Many of them are physical.
However, the official diagnostic requires a more sophisticated assessment that covers more disciplines.
For example, the specialist will assess the mother’s exposure to alcohol. Being honest about it is extremely important in finding the right treatment. Growth impairment will also be considered. Facial features are just as important, yet there are situations when they’re not present at birth.
Furthermore, the specialist will assess the baby’s issues regarding the central nervous system, such as problems with attention, memory, and executive functions.
There’s no such thing as a general test to identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Instead, more specialists may have to perform more evaluations in order to identify all the issues and provide the right form of support.
Support and Treatment for FASD
As a general rule of thumb, there’s no treatment for FASD. Then, what is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder treated like? There is some form of treatment, which is mainly based on support. It’s practically a mix of medications and different therapies.
It’s extremely important to diagnose the issue early and intervene accordingly. Obviously, the treatment must be personalized, since signs vary from one child to another.
- Therapeutic support. This varies and includes educational support, behavioral help, speech therapy, physical treatments, parent training and even social support. Some therapies may include role playing and unique teaching solutions.
- Medications. Based on the symptoms and issues, medications could also be given. They’re also given against issues triggered by FASD, such as ADHD or even depression and anxiety. Stimulants are common in some cases, not to mention melatonin for sleeping problems.
Support starts with an early diagnosis. Even if there are no obvious signs straight away, a mother should let doctors know about the alcohol exposure before the baby is born. Even later on, it’s imperative to start any form of support before the child turns five or six years old.
The treatment won’t be a cure, as brain damage is permanent and there’s nothing to be done about it. However, with ongoing care, individuals can lead more fulfilling lives and reach their potential.
Bottom line, what is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder? The disorder covers a series of affections that are caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Most of the damage is permanent and can’t be reversed, but treatment can be efficient enough if the issue is diagnosed early and managed appropriately with a multidisciplinary and supportive approach.