Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a broad term used to categorize many different disorders/syndromes that can occur in a child whose mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. One of these conditions is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a combination of mental and physical birth defects that result because of the maternal intake of alcohol during pregnancy. Although problems vary from child to child, the defects caused by FAS are irreversible. The amount of alcohol that is necessary to cause FAS is unknown and therefore, it is recommended that women abstain from drinking during pregnancy.
Physical Characteristics
Physical Characteristics
Distinctive facial features include...
small eyes
exceptionally thin upper lip
a short, upturned nose
and a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip
Other physical defects include...
Deformities of joints, limbs and fingers
Small head circumference and brain size
Developmental Issues
Developmental Issues
Infants with FAS usually have a low birth weight, feeding difficulties, and slow growth
Heart defects and problems with kidneys and bones
Problems with sleep and sleep-wake cycle
Difficulties with self-regulation
Poor safety awareness
Delayed/poor motor skills and coordination
Sensory processing difficulties
Learning Issues
Learning Issues
Difficulty shifting attention from one thing to another and solving problems flexibly
Difficulty remembering verbally learned information
Difficulty with daily living skills
Behavioral Issues
Behavioral Issues
Correlation with developing ADHD
More prone to developing depression
Associated with mood disorders or bipolar disorder
Personality or conduct disorders
Reactive attachment disorder
Overall difficulty with social skills and building relationships
Anxiety
Poor concept of time
Issues in Adolescence/Adulthood
Issues in Adolescence/Adulthood
Continued unresponsiveness to social cues
Lack of reciprocal friendships
Difficulty in cooperating with peers
Women with FAS often have difficulty in caring for their children
Problems with independent living and with employment
Inappropriate sexual behaviors
Therapies in Treatment
Therapies in Treatment
Different types of therapy/services that are shown to be beneficial include...
special education
speech therapy
physical therapy
medical/social/vocational services
Play Therapy and FAS
Play Therapy and FAS
Play therapy overall has many strong benefits for children with disabilities. Play specifically helps children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome by encouraging their social-emotional development. As FAS results in the underdevelopment of the brain, the child can increasingly develop positive neural paths through playful interactions. Lastly, kids with FAS typically have a more difficult time creating strong relationships. Play therapy provides a place for a child to connect with an adult in a safe environment.
https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2699590/#:~:text=Adolescents%20and%20adults%20with%20FAS,Scale%20%5B39%2C65%5D.https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/childrens-hospital/developmental-disabilities/conditions/fasd.aspxhttps://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20352901https://online.csp.edu/blog/forensic-scholars-today/treating-fasd-with-play-therapy/
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