Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Chapter 3-1 An Ounce of Prevention  2000, 2005 The Curators of the University of Missouri

Blood Alcohol Content After One Drink Chapter 3-2 An Ounce of Prevention  2000, 2005 The Curators of the University of Missouri

Criteria for FAS Diagnosis (All Four Must be Present): 1. Growth problems occur: -in the developing fetus -during infancy and childhood 2. Characteristic facial features: small eye opening, short upturned nose, small lower jaw, small head circumference, thin upper lip, epicanthal folds, smooth philtrum Chapter 3-3 An Ounce of Prevention  2000, 2005 The Curators of the University of Missouri

Criteria for FAS Continued 3. Central Nervous System abnormalities, mental retardation, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, decreased attention span, poor gross motor coordination, developmental delays. 4. The mother drank alcohol throughout pregnancy.

Characteristics of FAS *is a skin fold of the upper eyelid covering the inner corner *name for the separation between the upper and lower eyelids *Flattening of the top part of the nose Chapter 3-4 *the vertical groove in the upper lip *Small Jaw An Ounce of Prevention  2000, 2005 The Curators of the University of Missouri

A Five Day Old Baby with FAS

A Two-Year Old Girl with FAS

Philtrums and Thin Upper Lips

The Brain Differences of a Baby with FAS The brain of a six week old healthy developing baby. The brain of a six week old FAS baby.

PRENATAL EXPOSURE TO ALCOHOL AND INTELLIGENCE Learning disabilities** Children without FAS, born to mothers who drank alcohol during pregnancy Average IQ = about 80 Learning disabilities** FAS children Average IQ = 63 Mental Retardation* Abilities constant (no improvement or deterioration over time) “Normal” children Average IQ = 90-110 Typical mental abilities Potential for future learning Chapter 3-5 *Degree of mental retardation tends to correspond to severity of physical characteristics. **There are many types and causes of learning disabilities. An Ounce of Prevention  2000, 2005 The Curators of the University of Missouri

References Bell, Brenda, Chou, Carrie, and Williamson-Kruse, Lori. “Fetal Alcohol Syndrome – There is No Excuse”. An Ounce of Prevention: Addressing Birth Defects Related to Folic Acid, Alcohol and Tobacco. University of Missouri Extension 2005. Pages 75-106.