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Types of FASDs include fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), and alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD)
Fetal exposure to alcohol during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) in newborns. Babies born with FASDs can have various structural and neurological defects depending on the type of FASD.
There are 5 types of FASDs:
- Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
- Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND)
- Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD)
- Partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS)
- Neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (ND-PAE)
5 types of FASDs
1. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most dangerous type of FASD. FAS is a permanent condition without any cure. The only way to prevent FAS is to avoid alcohol during pregnancy.
Facial abnormalities, such as wide-set and narrow eyes, development issues and nervous system abnormalities, are common in people with fetal alcohol syndrome. Children with FAS may experience difficulties with:
- Learning
- Memory
- Attention span
- Communication
- Vision
- Hearing
People with FAS frequently struggle in school and have difficulty interacting with others.
2. Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND)
Alcohol exposure to the fetus may result in damage to the central nervous system, causing structural and functional abnormalities. Children with ARND may have intellectual difficulties and behavioral issues. They may struggle with:
- Math
- Memory
- Attention
- Judgment
- Impulse control
3. Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD)
Birth defects caused by prenatal alcohol consumption may include heart, kidney, bone, and hearing disorders or a combination of these.
4. Partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS)
Children who have PFAS exhibit some of the physical symptoms of FAS, but they do not meet the criteria required to be classified as FAS. They may have some changes in facial features, slow development, and central nervous system issues but not all the symptoms of FAS.
5. Neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure (ND-PAE)
ND-PAE occurs if a fetus is exposed to more than a minimal amount of alcohol. Children with ND-PAE struggle with daily tasks such as bathing and may struggle in social settings due to behavioral concerns such as extreme outbursts. They may have difficulty thinking and remembering.
How does alcohol affect an unborn fetus?
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause alcohol to pass through the placenta and affect the fetus. The fetus is exposed to similar levels of alcohol as the mother. Because the fetus cannot process alcohol, it remains in the body for a longer period of time. Alcohol prevents vital organs from utilizing nutrition and oxygen, resulting in damage to the brain or kidneys.
According to various studies, alcohol use appears to be most dangerous during the first 3 months of pregnancy. However, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drinking alcohol at any point during pregnancy can be harmful to the fetus. FASDs can be caused by any type of alcohol, including beer, wine, cider, and hard liquor.
What are signs and symptoms of FASDs?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is not always visible at birth and often remains undiagnosed until the child goes to elementary school.
Early signs of FASDs in young children may include:
- Abnormal facial features
- Smooth philtrum (area between the nose and upper lip)
- Small opening of the eyes
- Thinner upper lip
- Low birth weight
- Small size
- Small head
- Slow sucking reflexes
- Sleep deprivation
- Irritability
- Vision and hearing issues
- Intense crying or unresponsiveness
- Problems with major organs
Disabilities in children with FASDs may include:
- Low IQ
- Behavioral problems
- Difficulty learning and coordinating
- Short attention span
- Failure to generalize information
- Poor communication skills and speech delay
- Weak memory
- Delayed auditory processing
- Impulsiveness and poor decision-making
What are treatment options for FASDs?
There are no tests for FASDs, and they can be difficult to diagnose. A diagnosis is made based on the child's signs and symptoms and whether the mother consumed alcohol while pregnant.
Newborns with FASDs may require specialized treatment to assist with alcohol detox in the critical care unit. As the child grows, early education and counseling programs can help both parents and children learn to cope with symptoms.
