+ Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) By: Jordyn Maher

+ What is FAS? Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a disorder a child can have if their mother consumes alcohol while pregnant. About every 2 in 1,000 babies suffers from this disorder. (Between 2,000 and 9,000 each year.) It is the leading cause of mental retardation in the United States. Some children who just experience mild symptoms of this disorder (difficulty with solving problems, memory, and judgment) are just experiencing Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE).

+ Severity The severity for each case varies depending on a few factors- How much alcohol was consumed? How often was it consumed? How early into the pregnancy was it consumed? Babies are usually more severely affected if it was consumed in the first trimester because that is when all of the major organs are forming (brain, heart, lungs, sensory, and immune systems). Heredity Some babies are more likely to suffer from this than others depending on passed down traits that are not yet evident.

+ Signs and Symptoms Three major categories of disability Delayed growth Abnormalities of the brain and central nervous system Brain development is most significantly affected Distinct facial malformations

+ Other Characteristics Associated with FAS Low birth weight Mental retardation Poor muscle strength and coordination Small head circumference Behavior/ learning problems Irritability, restlessness, difficulty sleeping Hearing/ vision problems Difficulty remember Poor attention span

+ Management Expectant mothers should avoid ALL consumption of alcohol during pregnancy Often more common in minorities who are unaware that drinking alcohol can cause these affects. Depending on the severity, children may be able to function normally in a classroom while others require more work and attention.

+ Our Role as Educators Help children with FAS develop social and communication skills. Help them to be as independent as possible. Always be aware of their safety because due to their forgetfulness, difficulty seeing the effects of their actions, and lack of coordination puts them at a high injury risk.

+ References Alcohol effects on a fetus. (2010, August). Retrieved from / -topic-overview Marotz, L. R. (2009). Health, safety, and nutrition for the young child. (7 ed., pp ). Clifton Park, NY: Delmar Learning.