Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Is One

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one of the most serious of a range of disorders, which are called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). All of these disorders are caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. FAS is a disorder that lasts for the life of the affected individual, and inflicts a number of serious physical and mental disabilities (Centers for Disease Control). This paper describes the criteria for the diagnosis of FAS, the procedure for diagnosis, and three interventions for FAS. The diagnosis of FAS is based on several criteria.

These include maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy, facial feature abnormalities, deficiencies in normal growth, and dysfunction of the central nervous system (CNS). Specifically, the diagnosis of FAS requires documentation of all three of the following: facial abnormalities (smooth philtrum, thin vermillion border, and small palpebral fissures), growth deficits, and CNS abnormalities (structural, neurological or functional, or a combination) (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities).

Abnormalities of the facial features (dysmorphia) can include a thin upper lip, a mid face that is flattened, an indistinct or absent philtrum, and short eye slits (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities). Deficiencies in normal growth can encompass a lower than normal weight at birth, disproportional weight that is not caused by nutrition, and height and/or weight that is below the fifth percentile. CNS dysfunctions can include learning disabilities, impairment of fine motor shills, behavioral disorders, and a mental handicap.

Young children and babies with FAS may also have distinguishable features of FAS. These include short stature, thinness, hearing defects, organ imperfections, difficulty in eating and sleeping, difficulty toilet training, hyperactivity, problems with impulse control, and imperfections in bone and organs. The procedure for diagnosis in an FAS patient can be varied. First, an individual with FAS (whether a child or older) is identified. This identification can come from parents, daycare staff, foster agencies, social workers, or healthcare providers such as pediatricians or obstetricians.

An individual with FAS is often then referred to a specialist for the diagnosis of FAS (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities). The procedure for the diagnosis of FAS can be difficult, as many of the symptoms of FAS are similar to other disorders (including Aarskog syndrome and Maternal PKU fetal effects). Because of this similarity, other disorders must often be ruled out before a definitive diagnosis of FAS can be made with certainty.

Specifically, a diagnosis of abnormalities of the facial features (dysmorphia) can be difficult, as the facial features seen in individuals with FAS are often similar to those seen in other disorders (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities). Diagnoses of growth abnormalities in FAS can be a combination of are height or weight that is at or below the 10th percentile (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities). Again, growth deficiencies occur for many different reasons, and other causes must be ruled out.

Central nervous system disorders in FAS can be significant and varied, and mimic other disorders. Diagnosis of FAS can be made on the basis of structural, neurological, or functional CNS disorders. Diagnosis of CNS deficits must also rule out other disorders that can co-exist with FAS, such as autism or oppositional defiant disorder (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities). Perhaps the most important component in the procedure for the diagnosis of FAS is maternal alcohol exposure.

However, this diagnosis can be difficult, as many mothers are reticent to admit that they used alcohol while pregnant. In addition, there is often little information available about alcohol use during pregnancy (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities). Interventions for FAS are a diverse as the varied individuals and presentations of the disorder. As such, Miller suggests starting with a comprehensive, individualized, assessment to assess an individual's needs and capacities. Perhaps the simplest and most effective intervention for FAS is prevention.

Maternal education is especially important, as educating women about the dangers of alcohol during pregnancy will hopefully reduce maternal alcohol consumption, thus reducing the number of babies born with FAS. Public education programs play a key role in educating potential mothers of the dangers of alcohol during pregnancy. A second intervention effective for FAS treatment is direct, tailored instruction in academic areas such as reading, math, and writing. Direct intervention in these.