Fetal alcohol syndrome, known as FAS, is a condition that results from prenatal alcohol exposure. There is a wide range of severity of fetal alcohol syndrome disorders, and these are all covered under the newer umbrella term of FASD. According to The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS), FASD annual births are higher than autism, down's syndrome, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida and sudden infant death syndrome combined. Over the course of his lifetime the average person with FASD incurs $1.4 million in treatment and services, according to NOFAS.
Physical Symptoms
FASD results in numerous physical signs, and someone with the disorder may have only a few of these physical characterizes or may have many. The Mayo Clinic identifies the facial features of FASD to include small eyes, an exceptionally thin upper lip, a short, upturned nose and a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip. Vision and hearing problems are also common among those born with FASD, as are heart defects and deformities of the joints, limbs and fingers.
Mental Retardation and Learning Disabilities
FASD is the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects and a leading known cause of learning disabilities. The Center for Disease Control indicates that those with FASD may have lower than average IQs; may have difficulty in school, particularly with math; may lack cognitive reasoning skills; and may have poor memory abilities. These symptoms make learning difficult. For some with FASD it is almost impossible to learn at a grade-appropriate level, particularly as they get older.
Behavioral Problems
Behavioral problems among those with FASD include a short attention span, hyperactivity, poor impulse control and extreme nervousness, as reported by the Mayo Clinic. Depression, anxiety and anger issues are also common due to poor impulse control. FASD individuals have poor reasoning and judgment skills, and this often leads to problems including anti-social behavior, lying and stealing, job loss and incarceration. These problems are life-long, as there is no treatment for FASD.
