Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a birth defect caused by the
mother drinking heavily during pregnancy. It is characterized by growth
retardation, abnormal facial features, and central nervous system problems.
Children with FAS can have serious life-long disabilities, including mental
retardation, learning disabilities, and behavior problems.
Children with FAS require special medical, educational, familial and community
assistance. They may have mental health problems, conduct problems in school,
trouble with the law, alcohol or drug dependence, and may be unable to live
independently. These children may require lifelong care and intervention to
reach their potential.
Children with FAS have, by definition, at least the following:
1. Small size and weight before or after birth.
2. Specific facial appearance with 2 of the following groups of signs: small
head size; small eyes and/or short eye openings; underdevelopment of the upper
lip with flat upper lip ridges, thin upper lip andflat mixillary area; flat
midface.
3. Delays in development, intellectual impairment or neurologic impairment.
Some of the problems the children have are:
* Poor coordination
* Lower average IQ
* Hyperactivity
* Attention problems
* Developmental delays
* Motor problems