Appearance FAS
There are certain external features that are typical of FAS. For example, children often have a small head size, narrow and erect eyes and the eyes are further apart than in children without FAS. In some cases, a child with FAS also has epicanthus: a fold between the eye and the nose. An upturned nose and low nasal bridge are also typical. Then there is also the distance between the nose and upper lip, which is often greater than in children without FAS and they have a thinner upper lip. Ears are often lower than usual on the head and have a simple shape. The face is often flatter in the front and the palm line in the hand is often shaped like a hockey stick. Babies are born too small and never really catch up.
Other FAS symptoms
Then there are other symptoms associated with fetal alcohol syndrome. For example, children are very sensitive to stimuli and therefore quickly become overstimulated. Children with FAS are also more likely to have ADHD or behavioral problems such as tantrums, a tendency to lie, and a lack of guilt. Making and maintaining social contacts is difficult. And children with FAS have an increased risk of problem alcohol use later in life.
Then there are also learning difficulties to take into account. The average IQ of children in the Netherlands is around 100, for children with FAS it is around 72. They have concentration problems, memory disorders and a slower work pace. Planning and organizing school work can also cause problems.
Children with fetal alcohol syndrome often have a developmental delay, so that they lag behind their peers in sitting, walking and talking. Movement is also less smooth and movements can be described as wooden. Children with FAS fall more easily and have less balance. Part of this group has cerebral palsy and difficulty learning to talk.
Finally, FAS children have characteristics that fit the autism spectrum, more often sleep problems and sometimes suffer from epilepsy. Strabismus is more common in these children than in children without FAS and they are also more susceptible to middle ear infections. The teeth can also be a problem area, with children with FAS often having cavities. A congenital heart defect occurs in a proportion of children with fetal alcohol syndrome.
Causes FAS
As the name of the syndrome makes clear: FAS is caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. When the mother drinks, the substance also enters the baby’s blood. Babies in the womb are still developing and cannot process alcohol. The brain is therefore extra sensitive to the toxins it contains. A few glasses can already cause damage. Greater damage occurs with larger amounts of alcohol. Exactly how much alcohol leads to FAS is not known, but children with FAS usually have mothers who drink excessively. To prevent fetal alcohol syndrome, it is recommended not to drink alcohol at all.
treat FAS
Fetal alcohol syndrome cannot be cured, only prevented by not drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Treatment is possible for certain symptoms of FAS. For example, there are medicines that can counteract behavioral or physical problems. Physiotherapists can help children move, speech therapists can help with speech and swallowing problems and a rehabilitation doctor is there to coordinate the various therapies. He also advises on aids such as adapted shoes, arch supports or a buggy. For emotional and behavioral problems, FAS children can consult a psychologist or psychiatrist.
By: National Care Guide / Johanne Levinsky
Sources: Brain Foundation, Child Neurology, Alcohol Info
2023-07-05 12:15:46
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