CLEVELAND -- While our nation tries to make sense of a pandemic, a chronic health disorder continues unabated and practically undetected. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders or FASD is a wide range of lifelong problems resulting from exposure to alcohol when someone was in their mother’s womb.
A fetus is unable to metabolize alcohol, raising the possibility that even the smallest exposures can damage someone’s development and result in lifelong consequences. Much like autism, these disorders have a range of impacts, as not everyone with FASD realizes the same damage, which is what differentiates it from fetal alcohol syndrome. Worse yet, FASD is far more prevalent, and yet, way too often, it is misdiagnosed and misunderstood, making it costly to society.
One study has “estimated that 630,000 babies are born around the world each year with FASD -- about 1,700 per day,” Science Daily reported in 2018.
Sufferers are at high risk of growth impairments and developmental delays, intellectual disabilities, and behavioral disorders. They are more likely to experience difficulties in school, mental health issues, unemployment, drug and alcohol dependence, homelessness, and troubles with the law. Many cases go undiagnosed or are misdiagnosed and, as a result, the person suffering from FASD will not receive treatments that are appropriate for FASD, a major cause of preventable disabilities across the lifespan.
Once diagnosed, interventions are available and can be taught to help sufferers identify issues and manage their disorder accordingly. Unfortunately, however, because so many incidences go undetected, too many are left to suffer from the disorder and from other consequences of misdiagnosis.
FASD can cover a broad range of symptoms. Please remember only a doctor or mental health professional can diagnose a child or adult based on “a diagnostic evaluation that assesses prenatal alcohol exposure, growth, facial features and brain function,” among other factors, according to one pediatric medical specialist in Cleveland.
Symptoms can include:
• Hyperactivity
• Poor focus
• Underdeveloped coordination
• Delayed development in problem solving, speech, movement, and other social skills
• Struggles showing good judgement
• Problems hearing or seeing
• Learning and intellectual disabilities
• Heart and kidney defects
• Mood swings
As with all developmental conditions, the earlier a child is diagnosed and begins receiving treatment, the better. Should the child have medical disabilities, treatments will vary depending on the severity and needs. Some medications may help, including antidepressants and medications for hyperactivity.
Counseling and behavior modification can help tremendously. Children with FASD benefit from learning and practicing social skills, as relationships with peers can often be difficult. Parents and siblings will need counseling, as well, to learn how to cope with the mood swings and challenges in behavior. Once the child is in school, work with the school to create a plan that will benefit the growth and development of the child.
Remember, this is a preventable condition. Please refrain from drinking alcohol if you think you are pregnant or are attempting to get pregnant. If you suspect your child has FASD, seek medical help and begin to see a counselor. Parents and guardians are the only advocates children have. If you feel something is off or wrong with your child, do not doubt yourself, but seek the counsel of a doctor or counselor immediately. If you know you are addicted to alcohol, the best FASD prevention is and will also be recovery. Please ask a trusted source for help, so you and your child can be saved.
Stacey Reid is president of the board of directors at Cleveland’s Women’s Recovery Center, which has helped deliver 584 sober babies since its founding in 1986.
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