Alcohol is toxic.
It can impact any organ or system of the fetus if ingested during pregnancy.
FASD is referred to as an “invisible disorder” as the majority of people who are diagnosed do not have any outward signs of disability. Problems with learning or behaviour are mistaken for other disorders.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most severe and visible form under the umbrella of FASD, however the symptoms discussed below can be seen in other forms.
Physical Signs
Physical signs usually include abnormal facial features.
- Thin upper lip
- Missing or little ridge (Philtrum) between nose and upper lip
- Short palpebral fissure length (short distance between the eyes)
- Small eyes
- Small head
Note: Physical features will only occur if the fetus is affected by alcohol at a particular early stage in pregnancy, known as the first trimester (from that date of the mother’s last period to the end of week 12). During this time, the fetus undergoes key stages of development.
Physical Impairments may also occur, such as:
- Retardation of growth
- Low body weight
- Vision and hearing problems (may be permanent)
- Kidney, liver and other organ issues or damage
- Heart problems or damage
- Poor development of bones, fingers and limbs
Primary and Secondary Symptoms
Primary symptoms refer to the those which are caused by damage of the central nervous system.
Prenatal alcohol exposure causes every individual with any diagnosis within the spectrum of FASD to experience some form of permanent brain dysfunction.
These include:
- Poor memory and learning
- Enhanced sensitivity to sensory stimuli or distractions
- Slow cognitive processing
- Problems processing auditory information
- Lack of attention
- Poor reasoning and judgement
- Poor social and motor skills
- Resistance to change, difficulty changing context
One of the main characteristics of individuals diagnosed with all Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders is Dysmaturity.
This is an umbrella term describing the varying levels of maturity in different areas of development.
These can include language comprehension and ability, self-care, social skills, regulation of emotions and awareness of those around.
Secondary disabilities are those which are not visible at birth, but may occur later in life.
These include:
- Problems with mental health
- Problems at school (i.e. drop out, expulsion, suspension) or with the law (trouble with authorities)
- Poor academic performance
- Abuse of alcohol or drugs
- Cannot live independently, problems with employment and self-care
As a result, everyday behaviours may appear as:
- Impulsive and frustrated behavior
- Unfocused and easily distracted at school/work
- Hard time managing money or telling time, etc.
These primary and secondary disabilities affect an individual’s ability to take care of themselves and live alone.
Please visit the following pages to learn more about caring for individuals with FAS:
What School Systems Should Know
Sources:
Signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)