You already know that when you're pregnant, you're eating for two. That goes for what you drink, as well. Alcohol of any kind---beer, wine, champagne, and liquor---is also ingested by the baby and can cause lifelong, irreversible damage. The National Institutes of Health reports that signs of fetal alcohol syndrome, FAS, include mental retardation, facial deformities, behavioral problems, hearing and vision problems, and more.
Early Detection
Once a baby is born with FAS, there's no turning back. While measures can be taken to reduce the severity of a child's condition, according to the article "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome," co-written by Stephanie Amlung, Ph.D., they will only reduce the risk of secondary conditions from occurring. That's why early detection is so important. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, reports that one in 30 pregnant women drinks alcohol at levels that increase her baby's chance of having a fetal alcohol disorder. Classic signs of alcohol exposure in a baby from birth to four weeks include poor sucking, tremors, seizures and disturbed sleep patterns.
Improve Outcomes
To improve the outcome of a child with FAS, according to Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D., the baby needs to be diagnosed early and special education and social services should be provided as soon as possible. Babies born with FAS can thrive in a loving, nurturing and stable home.
Education and Social Services
In special-education schools and classes, children with FAS are given more attention. Specially trained teachers can home in on their developmental delays, including speech and reading. Social services can provide behavioral management training and provide some relief care for the child. Schoenstadt reports that families of children with FAS who receive social services show better outcomes compared to families who do not.
Stability
The National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, NOFAS, stresses that children with FAS who live in a stable home fare better than those in unstable living conditions. Providing structure is the hallmark to keeping behaviors in check. NOFAS recommends pairing children with FAS to playmates who are one or two years younger and to provide activities that are short and fun. Keep the child's environment simple and keeping their time structured with brief activities will help to control attention problems. Repetition, consistency and having consequences will help to manage behaviors.
Adolescence
Adolescence can be a particularly difficult time for children with FAS. This is the point in their life they're more likely to develop mood swings or emotional problems that can lead to serious problems. Medication and counseling can help to manage anxiety and depression, according to NOFAS. Prevent children with FAS from becoming victims of crime by monitoring their activities and talking about how to interact with strangers. Address lying, stealing and antisocial behavior with consistent rules and immediate consequences.
