Brain imaging studies have shown that children with FAS have, on average, smaller brains than normal , and defects in the frontal lobe, the corpus callosum, the cerebellum, the hippocampus, and the basal ganglia. Other imaging studies have shown poorer communication between various brain areas.
Can someone with fetal alcohol syndrome have a high IQ?
In a sample of 20 patients with the fetal alcohol syndrome, ages 9 months to 21 years, the average IQ was 65, with a range of 16 to 105; 60% of the patients had IQ's more than two standard deviations below the mean.
Does fetal alcohol syndrome affect IQ?
They nevertheless have impaired mental functioning caused by brain damage that is permanent and incurable. The academic abilities of individuals with FASD are below their IQ level , and their living skills, communication skills and adaptive behavior levels are even further below IQ levels.
How does fetal alcohol syndrome affect learning?
People with FAS have central nervous system (CNS) problems, minor facial features, and growth problems. People with FAS can have problems with learning , memory, attention span, communication, vision, or hearing. They might have a mix of these problems.
Does fetal alcohol syndrome affect personality?
Problem behaviors not present at birth that can result from having fetal alcohol syndrome (secondary disabilities) may include: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Aggression , inappropriate social conduct, and breaking rules and laws.
What is the life expectancy of a child with fetal alcohol syndrome?
Depending on early diagnosis and support, life expectancies can increase; however, on average, people with FAS are estimated to live 34 years (95% CI: 31–37 years) , which is around 42% of the life expectancies of their general population peers 23 .
Does alcohol cause mental retardation?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and Fetal Alcohol Effects. Alcohol use during pregnancy is the leading cause of mental retardation in children .
How do you discipline a child with fetal alcohol syndrome?
- Reward good behaviour: Praise your child for achievements. ...
- Look for strengths: Emphasize your child's strengths and abilities as often as you can.
- Use a safe place: Give your child a place to calm down, express anger or frustration where he is not penalized for acting out.
Does FASD get worse with age?
What are the most common symptoms of FASD? Only a small percentage of affected individuals have the set of facial features—which includes small eye openings, thin upper lip, and flat philtrum (groove under nose)—and growth delays that are most associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Both can diminish with age .
Is FAS considered a learning disability?
FASD represents one of the most common causes of learning disabilities , cognitive deficits, and ID (12).
Can you have mild fetal alcohol syndrome?
Women who drink alcohol during pregnancy can give birth to babies with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, sometimes known as FASDs . FASD is the umbrella term for a range of disorders. These disorders can be mild or severe and can cause physical and mental birth defects.
Can fetal alcohol syndrome affect adults?
Effects Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome In Adulthood. Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition that can affect an individual far beyond infancy and childhood . In fact, many people with FAS have difficulty as a result of the condition into adulthood and the rest of their lives.
What are characteristics of children with fetal alcohol syndrome?
Distinctive facial features, including small eyes, an exceptionally thin upper lip, a short, upturned nose, and a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip. Deformities of joints, limbs and fingers . Slow physical growth before and after birth. Vision difficulties or hearing problems.
Can someone with fetal alcohol syndrome live a normal life?
The disabilities associated with FASDs are said to be lifelong , but we know relatively little regarding outcomes beyond childhood and adolescence. Many of physical, brain, and neurobehavioral features that are present in children with FASDs will endure to adulthood.
What treatments are available for fetal alcohol syndrome?
There's no cure or specific treatment for fetal alcohol syndrome . The physical defects and mental deficiencies typically persist for a lifetime.
What is partial fetal alcohol syndrome?
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 that person is considered to have partial FAS (pFAS).
