Fetal Alcohol Syndrome / Effect (FAS/E)

TLSE 240Presentation For:

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Defined

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the name given to a group of physical and mental birth defects that are the direct result of women drinking alcohol during pregnancy or during lactation.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome definition

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• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a series of mental and physical birth defects that can include– Mental retardation– Growth deficiencies– Central nervous system

disorders– Craniofacial abnormalities– Behavioral maladjustments

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome definition continued…

• Fetal Alcohol Effect is a less severe set of the same symptoms

Introduction

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effect

According to The Journal of the American Medical Association FAS is the leading known cause of

mental retardation.

Introduction continued..

FAS is the only

100% Preventable

birth defect

Introduction continued…

• It is important you recognize:

The absence of the FAS symptoms does not rule out neurological developmental damage.

Introduction continued…

– Prevalence– Socioeconomic factors – Diagnosis – Physical characteristics– Cognitive characteristics – Social and emotional characteristics

Restatement of CAUSE Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The Exposure to alcohol in utero (prenatal exposure) or through breast milk

PREVALANCE

• Estimates are 5000 Infants born each year with FAS

• Represents about 1 in every 750 live births

• Found in all races and socio-economic groups, however there is a new study showing a disturbing trend

Upper Middle Socioeconomic Class Alcoholic Mothers

• Incidence of FAS offspring 4.5 %• Mean weight, length, and head

circumference 1 standard deviation below the mean

• Attention deficit disorder diagnosed in 21%

Socioeconomic factors & FAS/E

Socioeconomic factors & FAS/E Continued..

Lower Socioeconomic Class Alcoholic Mothers

• Incidence of FAS offspring 70.9 %• Mean weight, length and head

circumference 2 standard deviations below the mean

• Attention deficit disorder diagnosed in 71%

DIAGNOSIS

• Identification of at-risk infants– Microcephaly – Known heavy episodic drinking

(more than 5 drinks per occasion)

DIAGNOSIS Continued..

• Cumulative risk index ( Most effective)• Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral

Assessment Scale• Bayley Scales of Infant Development

– Auditory & Visual Stimuli– Motor performance – Reflex behavior– Autonomic regulation

• Typically diagnosed later in childhood

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS

_ High threshold for pain- student may be unaware of serious injury or infection

_ No perception of hunger or satiation_ Difficulty perceiving extreme

temperatures_ Difficulty with visual / spatial

perception and balance

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Continued...

• Deformities• Possible lower height, weight, and

head circumference compared with national norms

• Medical Complications• Difficulty sleeping

COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICS

_ IQ Ranges – 29 to 142 – Indicator of severity

COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICS Continued..

_ Associated Conditions– Learning disabilities– ADHD– Difficulty with sequencing– Difficulty with memory– Difficulty understanding cause/effect

relationships– Weak generalizing skills

SOCIAL / EMOTIONALCHARACTERISTICS

• Stealing, lying, and defiance• Difficulty predicting or understanding

consequences of behavior• Easily manipulated and led by others• Innocent, immature, and easily

victimized

SOCIAL / EMOTIONALCHARACTERISTICS Continued...

• Difficulty making and keeping friends• Overly friendly and affectionate• Stubborn

Secondary Affects

• Mental health problems• Disruptive schooling • Legal problems• Confinement• Inappropriate sexual

behavior• Dependent living• Employment problems

Secondary Affects continued…

Some of these affects are the result of professionals incorrectly identifying behavior and not responding to the needs of these individuals.

Suggested Accommodations

• KISS Keep It Short and Simple• Establish predictable routines• Color code to increase organization• Keep rules simple and parallel• Use verbal cues such as mnemonics or

songs to remind students what is next• Vary teaching techniques• Use many visuals to aid in understanding

Specific Accommodations

• Provide a hard copy or audio tape of important information

• Avoid why questions and essays• Give instructions one step at a time

and have the student repeat them back in their own words to check for understanding

Accommodations continued..

• Use rhythms to focus attention: hand clapping

• Establish a peer tutor system• Do not use euphemisms, sarcasm, or

figures of speech

Discipline Suggestions

• Review and repeat consequences often

• Offer interesting rewards• Set limits and be consistent

Offered by the National Organization for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS)

Discipline Suggestions continued...

• Avoid threats• Use Positive praise• Have pre-established

consequences for behavior

PREVENTION

• Clinical Assessment– Training of doctors and clinicians– Alcohol consumption screening of

pregnant women in prenatal clinics

• Community Outreach– Screening of suspected children– Focus on high risk populations

• Epistemilogic knowledge to attack alcohol-related birth defects