Reply #16: FAS

[Sgent]

What are the characteristics of children with FAS?

FAS is the severe end of a spectrum of effects that can occur when a woman drinks during pregnancy. Fetal death is the most extreme outcome. FAS is a disorder characterized by abnormal facial features, and growth and central nervous system (CNS) problems. If a pregnant woman drinks alcohol but her child does not have all of the symptoms of FAS, it is possible that her child has an alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND). Children with ARND do not have full FAS, but may demonstrate learning and behavioral problems caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. If you think a child may have FAS or other alcohol-related effects, contact a doctor. Children with FAS or ARND may have the following characteristics or exhibit the following behaviors:

small for gestational age or small in stature in relation to peers;
facial abnormalities such as small eye openings;
poor coordination;
hyperactive behavior;
learning disabilities;
developmental disabilities (e.g., speech and language delays);
mental retardation or low IQ;
problems with daily living;
poor reasoning and judgment skills;
sleep and sucking disturbances in infancy.

From the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasask.htm