Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can severely harm a developing foetus and result in Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). Alcohol can pass across the placenta and interfere with the normal development of the fetus, affecting cells including brain cells leading to cognitive impairment. The consequences of FASD are lifelong, however the condition itself is 100% preventable by not drinking any alcohol during pregnancy.
FASD may present itself as physical abnormalities, neurological problems with a child’s brain and central nervous system, or manifested in social and behavioural issues and can range from mild to severe depending on the individual. FASD is often called the 'invisible disability' as symptoms of FASD are seldom apparent at birth, and it is often not until school age that learning difficulties and problems with social behaviours arise.
Noticing and observing these common symptoms may help you recognise and identify FASD and get your child a diagnosis and medical treatment.
Physical Symptoms
These common symptoms may indicate FASD however they also resemble those of other diseases and conditions. If you suspect your child or another might have FAS, it’s important to see a doctor and/ or get a second medical opinion
FASD may present itself as physical abnormalities, neurological problems with a child’s brain and central nervous system, or manifested in social and behavioural issues and can range from mild to severe depending on the individual. FASD is often called the 'invisible disability' as symptoms of FASD are seldom apparent at birth, and it is often not until school age that learning difficulties and problems with social behaviours arise.
Noticing and observing these common symptoms may help you recognise and identify FASD and get your child a diagnosis and medical treatment.
Physical Symptoms
- Facial features – wide-set eyes; narrow or small eyes; flat mid face; very thin upper lip; a short, upturned nose; a smooth philtrum (narrow groove between the nose and upper lip).
- Deformed joints and limbs.
- Slow growth patterns.
- Shorter than average height.
- Vision and hearing issues.
- Small head size.
- Structurally abnormal or underdeveloped brain.
- Problems with major organs such as heart defects and issues with kidneys.
- Poor memory.
- Hyperactivity.
- Poor coordination and balance.
- Intellectual disabilities or learning disorders .
- Trouble with paying attention, or hyperactivity.
- Trouble processing information.
- Poor judgement and reasoning skills.
- Difficulty relating actions to consequences.
- Rapidly changing moods or anxiety.
- Speech or language problems.
- Poor social skills including getting along with others .
- Difficulty in school, particularly in math.
- Problems staying on task or working towards a goal.
- Problems adapting to change.
- Problems with impulse control.
- A poor concept of time.
- Increased risk taking.
These common symptoms may indicate FASD however they also resemble those of other diseases and conditions. If you suspect your child or another might have FAS, it’s important to see a doctor and/ or get a second medical opinion
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