Information
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Age Comparison Table |
Developing Baby
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Secondary Disabilities
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FAQ's
Do Children Outgrow FASD?
People often ask, or often assume, that fetal alcohol
syndrome is a
condition associated with children, a condition that is “outgrown” as
the child grows into an adolescent and then an adult. Perhaps
because
of the word “fetal” or because of the apparent
changes in facial features
as a child enters puberty, but, the reality is that fetal
alcohol syndrome
(FASD) and all other birth defects resulting from prenatal
exposure to alcohol
are permanent.
FASD refers to a permanent birth defect syndrome
caused by maternal
consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. The condition
is characterized
by pre-and/or postnatal growth deficiency, a specific set
of minor
facial anomalies, and prenatal alteration in brain function,
causing a
variety of central nervous system disorders that can include
neurological
abnormalities, delays in development, intellectual impairments,
learning
and behavior disabilities and in some cases mental retardation.
Alcohol is a teratogen that can cause fetal malformations in the form
of permanent structural changes to the brain, to cells
and to normal
growth and development patterns. Once the malformations
have occurred,
the damage is irreversible.
But, with all this said, it does not mean that the outcomes
for an individual
affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol can not improve
with
time, with services and with appropriate structures and
interventions
in place. Like all disabilities, improvements
can be made in how a person
adjusts to their disability, what types of services are
provided to
accommodate the disability and what kinds of ongoing trainings
and
supports are in place to help the individual be successful.
This is why it
is so critical that all children with this disability
get an early diagnosis,
that appropriate service plans are developed and that
those services
providers and caregivers working with this disability
truly understand
the nature of FASD and the impact on an individual’s
ability to function.
With diagnosis, specialized services and a supported living
environment,
individuals with all fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can
be successful
living with their disability.
Posted Winter 2002