Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

There are 4 sub-types to note:
  1. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Most severe of the FASD spectrum. Diagnosis is based on measurements/ findings in each of the 3 following areas:
    -   3 specific facial abnormalities: smooth philtrum (the area between nose and upper lip), thin upper lip, small palpebral fissures (the horizontal eye openings)
    -   Growth deficit (lower than average height, weight or both)
    -   Central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities (structural, neurologic, functional, or a combination of these)
  2. Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND): These individuals have normal facial features and no reported growth problems, but do have problems with how the nervous system forms and how they function. Often often present with  intellectual disabilities, behavior or learning problems, and nerve or brain abnormalities.
  3. Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD): People with ARBD may have issues with  organs formation and function, specifically with the heart, kidneys, bones, spine, hearing, and vision.
  4. Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS): When a person does not meet the full diagnostic criteria for FAS but has a history of prenatal alcohol exposure and some of the facial abnormalities, as well as a growth problem or CNS abnormalities.

Assessment & Screening

  • Updated FASD Guidelines (2016)
  • FAS 4-point diagnostic form (Univ. of Washington)

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (2014),  there is no single or simple test that can cover the broad range of FASD signs and symptoms; it is the full clinical picture that suggests the condition. A known history of alcohol consumption is not required for diagnosis of an FASD.​
  • Algorithm for evaluation within the medical home (AAP, 2014)​

Position Papers

Guidelines for referral and diagnosis (National Task Force of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect, 2004)

Articles

  • Teaching Students with FASDs: Building Strengths, Creating Hope (Alberta Learning)
  • Teaching students with FAS (Florida Dept of Education, 2005)

Resources

For Clinicians:
  • AAP's Fetal Alcohol Disorders Program
  • Fetal alcohol syndrome -- quick reference, FAQs (NOFAS)
  • FASD: Why Update the Guidelines? (PowerPoint Presentation, Amgott, 2017)
  • The ARC Fetal Alcohol Prevention Project videos, resources and training
  • SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence: 
               FASD Webinars
               FASD: The Course 7 Module on-line course
               FASD: The Basics online course: brief overview
For Parents:
  • Tools for Parents and Caregivers (NOFAS, 2014)
  • Every day is an Adventure:  What Parents Need to Know about FASD
  • FAQs about FAS from  families (AAP, 2014)
  • Tips for FASD Caregivers
  • Essential tips
  • 4 Programs That Work! (NOFAS): Brochure for parents
  • NOFAS video playlists (ranges from PSA’s to documentaries and webinars). 
  • NOFAS Children's Book List:​
           Special People, Special Ways by Arlene Maguire
           Forgetful Frankie by Jill Bobula
           The Best Fight by Anne Schlieper
           In Jesse’s Shoes by Beverly Lewis
           Disabled Fables: Aesop's Fables, Retold and Illustrated By Artists               With Developmental Disabilities by Members of LA Goal and   
​           Sean Penn
Treatment plan should include:
  • developmental services
  • educational interventions
  • behavior modification
  • parent training
  • social skills training
  • medications
  • other medical therapies
  • transition planning
  • advocacy in school and the workplace
  • referral for community support services

Organizations

  • NOFAS
  • AAP's FAS Program
  • FAS Family Resource Institute
  • WrightsLaw
  • Families Affected by FASD
  • Help your parents find AA programs, if necessary.

Videos

Video: Moment to Moment: Teens Growing Up With FASD Intro 
This video explores the lives of Teens Growing Up with FASD.
Video: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
This video is an intimate and evocative video about the mothers and families of children who are affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The video, created for viewing by women in recovery and their counselors, is divided into half-hour episodes to allow time for discussion within a treatment session.

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