Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Persists Rekindling awareness for the new millennium

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Persists Research strong in 1970’s-1980’s –Culture insures the problem persists Fetal damage: body, mind, social issues –Nature insures the problem persists Topic bridges the gap between science, medical, clinical, social, and practical

FAS Problem, Researchers “Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) now is recognized as the leading known cause of mental retardation in the US, surpassing Down syndrome and spina bifida.” Ann Streissguth, Ph.D

Alcohol Affects Placenta Late-term fetus Placenta structure and function Umbilical cord Alcohol reduces oxygen to fetus Alcohol reduces AA’s, glucose & vitamins passing thru placenta

Migrating Nascent Neurons

Teratogen: Alcohol Maternal blood alcohol concentration Alcohol breakdown (liver) elimination Fetus BAC Alcohol diffusion across placenta –High concentration to low –No liver enzymes to breakdown alcohol –Alcohol diffuses out when mother BAC is lower than fetal BAC

“The Mind” FAS

Lip-Philtrum Guide

Alcohol as a Teratogen FAS/FAE continuum: who is affected? Agent: Alcohol Dose: light, moderate, heavy, binge Timing: 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd trimester Genetic/metabolic factors: enzymes Nutritional: vitamins, prenatal care Polydrug use: smoking, others

FASD Changes Cognitive changes –Intelligence –Math weakness Social changes –Several antisocial behaviors –Prison time FAS induced static encephalopathy –Several abnormalities

FASD Developmental Changes Physical alterations: –Face, less noticeable –Size, smaller than average Cognitive changes (few alterations) –Math problems persist –Abstract thinking, problem solving same Social problems same or worse

FASD Social Challenges Failure to consider consequences Unresponsive to subtle social cues Lack of friendships Stubbornness or sullenness Low self-esteem Social withdrawal Teasing or bullying Dishonesty Excessive unhappiness

FASD School Challenges Lack of initiative Poor concentration Poor math skills Dependency Impulsivity ADHD symptoms Adverse relationships with teachers

FASD Adult Challenges Delinquent behaviors Sexual problems –Pregnancy, paternity –STD’s Not able to find and hold jobs Drug use and abuse including alcohol Prison recidivism, est. 1/5 prisoners FAS

FAS Statistics Over 10,000 births/day in USA FAS births: 1/700 = 14/day FAE disorders: 1/100 = 100/day Over 90% FAS/FAE develop mental probs Lifetime cost: $5M/FAS person Taxpayers cost: $5M/day, $1.9B/year

Alternatives & Solutions Challenges: –Clinicians have a good understanding of alcohol’s ability to damage CNS –Educators inform themselves & students –Parental involvement = better outcomes –Community assistance Living/working arrangements Alternatives to prison

Teacher’s Opportunities More info: NEW K-12 Curriculum Available from NOFAS from CDC education and prevention programK-12 Curriculum Available from NOFAS PPT show package about FASpackage Resource guide for teachers working with FAS studentsguide Biological Psychology can be useful Students will make choices Informed students make better choices

Off to a Great Start… Ashley M Lorenz