Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a condition that occurs in individuals whose mother drank alcohol during her pregnancy cycle. It is caused because the alcohol can easily pass across the placenta to the fetus through the bloodstream, which can invite a range of health issues in their developing children like learning problems, behavioural problems, attention span, communication problems or a mix of these conditions. FASD can bring a wide range of problems from mild to severe. Let’s read through the article and learn more about disorders of fetal alcohol spectrum, including its symptoms, causes, types, diagnosis, and treatment.
What are the signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD’S)?
Chronic alcoholism during the pregnancy period can bring maternal risks in children. This is due to the development of the baby in an unhealthy-uterine environment. The various signs and symptoms of FASD’S include:
- Heart issues
- Lack of attention
- Mood swings
- Abnormal facial shapes
- Deformed fingers and limbs
- Intellectual disabilities
- Kidney abnormalities
- Delayed development
- Delayed speech and language
- Hyperactivity
- Poor memory
- Smaller head size
- Underweight
- Vision and hearing problems
If your child has any of the above symptoms or has concerns about the child’s development, speak to the doctor and get your kid evaluated. If required, your child’s doctor may suggest for a referral to a specialist for a thorough assessment to rule out any types of disorders. Your doctor may access for cognitive ability, social abilities, behavioural issues, and other health risks. If medicines are prescribed shop them from a genuine online drugstore and get the medicines delivered at the comfort of your home.
What causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?
When the pregnant woman consumes alcohol it passes to the fetus through the placenta. The alcohol can’t be processed by the fetus unlike adults, hence it is available in the concentrated form and this inhibits the absorption of nutrients reaching the vital body organs of the unborn baby.
What are the types of FSAD’s?
Numerous disorders can fall under the single roof of FSAD’s and a few of them are listed below:
Fetal alcohol effects (FAE)
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
Alcohol-related neurodevelopment disorder
Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD)
A neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure
How FASD is diagnosed?
FASD is diagnosed based on the symptoms and a few of them are discussed below:
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS): Individuals with FAS may experience problems with the central nervous system, abnormal facial features, memory problems, learning disabilities, hearing, and vision-related issues. Children’s often find difficult to adjust with the health issues caused due to FAS.
Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD): Individuals with ARBD may develop problems with the bones, kidneys, and heart.
Alcohol-related neurodevelopment disorder (ARND): Individuals with ARND may face intellectual disabilities, behavioural problems, learning issues, difficult to focus in class, forgetfulness, and lack of impulse control.
If the individual is experiencing any of the above symptoms, your doctor will diagnose the above conditions with the features and with the symptoms displayed in them as there is no blood tests are available to detect the disorder.
What are the different types of treatment available for people with FASD’s?
Individuals exhibit different symptoms and the treatments are executed based on the type of disorder they have. Memory issues, behavioural issues, social interactions, changes in facial features, and poor growth can be addressed with the right treatments and at the right time. There are different types of treatment available and your doctor will decide the treatment by closely monitoring the children, and with the regular follow-ups he or she may proceed with the required changes whenever necessary. A few of the treatment plan is listed below:
- Medication
- Alternative approaches in assessing the children
- Behaviour and education approaches
- Choosing good Parenting practices
- Seeking the right medical care
- Social skills training
- Developmental services
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