Fetal Alcohol syndrome

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a serious global problem due to emergence of alcohol abuse among young pregnant women. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the single largest cause of mental retardation in the Western world. It is all the more tragic given that FAS is the only congenital cause of mental retardation that is 100% preventable. Fetal Alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a broad spectrum of completely preventable intellectual and developmental deficits in individuals, resulting from maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. FAS can cause a range of physical and intellectual disabilities. Possible physical disabilities include facial differences and major organ damage, as well as hearing and vision impairments. Damage to the brain results in developmental disabilities, which can include general learning difficulties, language, social or motor skills impairment, memory impairment and attention deficits, poor consequential thinking, and poor planning ability. Children affected by FAS can also face misunderstanding about the often hidden cause of their very challenging learning behaviors. The cost to society as well as the individuals and families dealing with this disorder is staggering. A diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is based on certain criteria: facial features, small birth weight, central nervous system dysfunction, and history of prenatal exposure to alcohol. Babies who do not have all the physiological symptoms may be given a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE).