Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) include fetal alcohol syndrome and other conditions in which children have some, but not all of the symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome, such as alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) and alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD).

Children who have none of the visible or physical symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can have central nervous system symptoms that are just as severe as those of children who have been diagnosed with all of the symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Symptoms of FASD

The symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can include facial abnormalities, growth deficiencies, skeletal deformities, organ deformities, central nervous system handicaps and behavioral problems in later life.

Here are some of the symptoms which can occur in children with prenatal exposure to alcohol:

Facial Abnormalities

  • Small headSmall eye openingsWebbing between eyes and base of the noseDrooping eyelidsFailure of eyes to move in the same directionShort, upturned noseFlattened cheekbonesSunken nasal bridgeFlat or absent groove between nose and upper lip (philtrum)Smooth and thin upper lipOpening in roof of the mouthSmall upper jawLow set or malformed ears

Growth Deficiencies

  • Small body size and weightSlower than normal physical developmentFailure to ‘catch up’ in growth

Skeletal Deformities

  • Deformed ribs and sternumCurved spineCaved-in chest wallBent, fused, webbed or missing fingers or toesExtra fingersAbnormal palm creasesLimited movement of jointsHip dislocationsSmall skullExcessive hairUnderdeveloped fingernails or toenails

Organ Deformities

  • Heart defectsHeart murmursIncomplete development of brain structuresUmbilical or diaphragmatic herniaGenital malformationsKidney or urinary defects

Central Nervous System Handicaps

  • Small brain sizeFaulty arrangement of brain cells and tissueMild to severe mental retardationLearning disabilitiesPoor memoryLack of imagination or curiosityPoor language skillsPoor problem-solving skillsShort attention spanPoor coordinationIrritability in infancyHyperactivity in childhoodPoor reasoning and judgment skillsSleep and sucking disturbances in infancy

Behavioral Problems

  • Inability to concentrate
  • Social withdrawal
  • Stubbornness
  • Impulsiveness
  • Anxiety
  • Problems with daily living
  • Psychiatric problems
  • Criminal behavior
  • Chronic unemployment
  • Incomplete education
  • Inappropriate sexual behavior
  • Substance abuse problems
  • Poor parenting skills

Help for Children With FASD

The above symptoms and conditions can have life-long implications for children who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. However, there is help for even those the most severely affected by their mother’s drinking.

Getting early intervention to identify these disorders can help ensure a child gets the services and therapy they need for the best outcomes.

Research has shown that FASD children who receive special education and adequate social services are more likely to reach their developmental and educational potential than those who do not receive those services.

A loving, nurturing and stable home life, without disruptions, harmful relationships or transient lifestyles, has also been shown to benefit children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Those who live in abusive, unstable or violent environments are more likely to develop later behavioral problems.