Question about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Question

Can FAS have different levels of severity? What would be symptoms of the most mild case? Do the symptoms continue into adulthood?
What are the symptoms of FAS?

Answer 1

I do believe there are different severities of FAS

"Summary
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a collection of birth defects that occur when a fetus is exposed to alcohol. These range from learning and behavioral difficulties to mental retardation. Death of the fetus is the most extreme outcome.

A woman who drinks at any point during pregnancy puts the fetus at risk of FAS. Generally, the more alcohol consumed during pregnancy, the greater the risk of FAS and the more severe the symptoms. However, exactly how much alcohol causes defects is not known, and appears to vary from person to person and from pregnancy to pregnancy.

About 1,200 children are born with FAS every year, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 40,000 are born with some signs of prenatal exposure to alcohol.

FAS is not diagnosed until after a child is born. A medical history may include questions about a mother’s alcohol intake during pregnancy. A physical examination may be conducted to determine the extent of deficiencies, as well as to rule out other potential causes of a child’s symptoms.

Children with FAS will have certain distinctive facial abnormalities, physical growth deficiency (e.g., height and/or weight) as well as central nervous system problems. Children who exhibit some but not all signs required for a diagnosis of FAS may have another type of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD is a term used to describe the range of detrimental effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during the pregnancy. It is not intended for use as a clinical diagnosis.

There is no cure for FAS. Most treatment focuses on addressing the special education or medical needs of children with FAS. However, the physical, mental or behavioral defects in children with FAS are lifelong, irreversible problems. Parents of children with FAS can seek out emotional or respite services that may be available in their communities. They may also help their child by providing a nuturing and supportive home environment.

FAS is completely preventable. Women who are pregnant (or may become pregnant) should eliminate all alcohol consumption for the duration of pregnancy. Abstinence is the only proven method to prevent birth defects as the result of fetal alcohol exposure. Prior to 1973, when FAS was recognized by the scientific community in the United States, women may have been advised that low levels of alcohol during pregnancy were safe. However, it is now understood that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy."

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Answer 2

FAS does have different levels of severity. Mild cases would still have some level of learning disabilities and possibly facial features. The effects of FAS are permanent and will be with a child for their entire life. Babies with FAS can have small heads, distorted facial features including abnormally shaped eyes, thin upper lip and missing the "dimple" above the upper lip (called the philtrum). They have poor motor skills as they develop, are clumsy, and have learning and behavioral issues as well. They may exhibit some level of mental retardation.

Answer 3

FAS can have different levels of severity...most are in cognitive and intellectual processing as well as delayed motor development. this effects, when left untreated can lead to adult disabilites as well.

Answer 4

It's good

Answer 5

AT BIRTH YOU ARE LOOKING AT PREMATURE BABIES WHICH WOULD BE BORN WITH FAS WHICH WOULD CAUSE TO GROW AND LEARN SLOWER THAN CHILDREN THEIR AGES AND MOST LIKELY WILL BE (ADD ADHD) AND COULD HAVE VISION PROBLEMS

Answer 6

Thanks for the answers everyone xx