What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are a group of diagnosable medical conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. Effects are lifelong and can include mental health conditions, learning disabilities, sensory issues, and physical manifestations such as heart defects, hearing and visual impairments, and more.
FASD affects an estimated 1 in 20 school-aged children. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading cause of birth defects in the United States.
Common experiences throughout the lifespan can include
Infancy
Birth defects (structural changes present at birth that can affect almost any part or parts of the body), feeding issues, and may be diagnosed as “failure to thrive.”
Childhood
School challenges, developmental delays, behavior issues
Adolescence
Behavior issues, mental health struggles
Adulthood
Employment, housing, legal issues
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are a group of diagnosable medical conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. Effects are lifelong and can include mental health conditions, learning disabilities, sensory issues, and physical manifestations such as heart defects, hearing and visual impairments, and more. People with FASD also have many unique strengths and talents.
How is FASD diagnosed?
Diagnosis can be complicated, particularly if you do not have confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure. Much is being done to reduce the stigma in order for more people to receive an accurate diagnosis. Please see our “Diagnosis” page for more information.
What are the signs and symptoms of FASD?
Do you or your child have: learning difficulties, poor short term memory, poor auditory memory, delayed auditory processing, impulsivity, difficulty with abstract concepts, developmental dysmaturity, problems with attention, poor judgement, difficulty with natural consequences, compliance, frustration, aggression, and/or anxiety? Were you or your child prenatally exposed to any amount of alcohol? Do traditional parenting/teaching techniques not work for you or your child?
FASD doesn’t look the same for everyone, and individuals may experience these traits in different ways or to varying degrees.
If you answered yes to these questions, then you might be dealing with an FASD. Check out our “Diagnosis” page and “Resources” page for more information!
How can I support my child with FASD in school?
School can be challenging for those with FASD. But success is possible particularly when educators understand FASD and how it manifests for that student, build on the student’s strengths, and collaborate with the family. See our “Resources” for both educators and caregivers/self-advocates for more information.
What treatments are available for FASD?
There is no “cure” for FASD, but there are certainly ways to support those diagnosed in order to help them grow to be their best selves and to live out their strengths. The key is taking a brain-first approach to parenting and to teaching those impacted by prenatal exposure. Check out our “Resources” page for more information.
At what age can individuals be diagnosed with FASD?
How much alcohol is safe during pregnancy?
According to the CDC, there is no safe amount of alcohol you can consume during any point in pregnancy.
What resources are available for families affected by FASD?
There are many resources available, and we have done the work of compiling many of them for you. See our “Resources” page for more information about support groups, books, articles, websites, organizations, trainings, and more!