The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) refers to the wide range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments that occur due to alcohol exposure before birth (also known as prenatal alcohol exposure).
Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can result in FASD by interfering with development of the baby’s brain and other critical organs and physiological functions. This can lead to deficits after birth and beyond. Alcohol can disrupt development at any stage, even before a woman knows that she is pregnant.
Research shows that binge drinking and heavy drinking during pregnancy put a developing baby at the greatest risk for severe problems. However, even lesser amounts can cause harm. In fact, there is no known safe amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
The term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) refers to a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral abnormalities caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Depending on the features identified, the disorders categorized as FASD include:
– Fetal alcohol syndrome
– Partial fetal alcohol syndrome
– Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder
– Alcohol-related birth defects
– Neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure
Prenatal alcohol exposure and central nervous system (CNS) involvement are factors common to the disorders encompassing FASD. Evidence of CNS involvement can be structural (e.g., small brain size, alterations in specific brain regions) or functional (e.g., cognitive and behavioral deficits, motor and coordination problems). For fetal alcohol syndrome—which is also characterized by growth deficiencies, distinct facial features, and other physical factors in addition to CNS involvement—confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure is not required.
Individuals with FASD experience day-to-day challenges, which may include cognitive and behavioral impairments as well as secondary disabilities including medical, educational, mental health, and social challenges, throughout their life. They are also subject to stigmatization for their disorder. People with FASD may have difficulty in the following areas:
– Learning and memory
– Understanding and following directions
– Switching attention between tasks
– Controlling emotions and impulsivity
– Communicating and developing social skills
– Experiencing depression and anxiety
– Performing daily life skills, including feeding, bathing, counting money, telling time, and minding personal safety