FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDERS

On any given day in the United States:

•  10,657 babies are born

•  1 of these babies is positive for HIV

•  4 of these babies are born with Spina Bifida

•  10 of these babies are born with Down Syndrome

•  20 of these babies are born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

•  100 of these babies are born with Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder

There is NO safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.  Even one drink risks the health of an unborn baby.

Of all the substances of abuse, including heroin, cocaine and marijuana, alcohol produces by far the most serious neurobehavioral effects in the fetus, resulting in permanent disorders of memory function, impulse control and judgment.

Early diagnosis can help prevent secondary disabilities such as mental health problems, dropping out of school, trouble with the law and substance abuse.

There are three specific criteria to diagnose Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:

1. Growth deficiency pre- or post-natally for height, or weight, or both

2. Specfic pattern of facial features including short eye slits, a flat mid-face, a thin    upper lip, and smooth philtrum (area between nose and upper lip).

3. Central nervous system dysfunction, such as developmental delays, difficulty understanding abstract concepts, and speech/language disorders.

Many children who may have FAS or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders may be misdiagnosed as having ADHD, Bipolar Disorder, or other behavior disorders.

Children with FAS or FASD do not respond well to stimulant medications or traditional therapies.  They often need extra help with managing their environment, and following simple directions.  They often have trouble making friends.  They often have sensory integration problems (sensitivity to touch, sound, light, etc.).

Although many children with FAS or FASD have normal IQs, they often perform poorly in school.

Child Guidance Center has recently received a small grant to develop a center for diagnosis and treatment of FAS and FASD.  The first year is dedicated to training and developing a team of professionals.  The diagnostic and treatment team will consist of a pediatrician, an occupational therapist, a speech pathologist, a psychologist, and a licensed clinical social worker.  Child Guidance Center will be working with many partners  including :  Gateway Community Services, Healthy Start (the Azalea Project), The University of Florida, Children’s Medical Services, Early Steps, Hope Haven, Daniel, First Coast Family Center, The Jacksonville Children’s Commission, The Department of Health, and Episcopal Children’s Services. 

For more information contact Cecily Hardin, LCSW at 745-3070 ext. 327.

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Last modified: 08/19/08