INTRODUCTION
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a group of conditions that can occur in children whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Effects of FASD in children may present as, abnormal appearance, short height, low body weight, small head, poor coordination, low intelligence, behavior problems, and problems with hearing or seeing. Studies show that children with FASD are more likely to have trouble in school and with law enforcement, engage in high risk sexual activity, and struggle more frequently alcohol or drug addiction. Because of the broad spectrum of the disorder the exact number of children who have an FASD is difficult to determine, as is the extent of alcohol use in women during pregnancy ("Fetal Alcohol
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FASDs should be treated with attention to the broad needs of patients. These may include medical, behavioral, social, and educational services. More specifically, treatments may involve, developmental services, educational interventions, behavior modification, parental training, social skills intervention, medication, transitional planning, advocacy in work and education facilities, community support services, and other medical services as necessary.
CHALLENGES
Those diagnosed with FASD may experience behavioral problems due to brain injury. Degree of behavioral issues will differ in each case. Some individuals are so severely affected that everyday functioning in the community becomes difficult. These activities of daily living (ADL) may include making housing arrangements, maintaining health, and avoiding negative outcomes such as substance use, mental health problems, and trouble with the legal system (Lynch, 2013). Others may experience varying levels of hyperactivity, stubbornness, fearlessness, irritability, sleep problems, bullying tendencies, truancy issues, depression or withdrawal, and poor
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In children and families, where FASD is a concern, there is increased risk for contact with the child welfare system and children are often placed in care … FASD will impact clients throughout the life span. There remain many gaps in the research, not just in child protection but also the impact of FASD at various stages of life. Given the strong clinical connection between social work and FASD, social work should position itself to provide leadership and excellence in research and practice. (Badry & Choate, 2015).
Both the statistical evidence identifying the prevalence of alcohol use in women during pregnancy and the frequency of women abusing alcohol without contraception is alarming. These issues and the challenges that face those with FASD as they transition from adolescence to adulthood require coordinated access to the full range of social services