Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

In current years the public has been made aware of a syndrome called Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The syndrome has been publicized for many reasons including the fact that it is a completely avoidable syndrome based on the pregnant mother’s behaviors. The syndrome causes disabilities for the children, and is a life-long syndrome that cannot be reversed once it is achieved. In a report, Substance Abuse and the American Woman, sent out by the Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse, at least one of every five pregnant women uses alcohol and/or other drugs during pregnancy (NOFAS).

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a preventable birth defect and effects many families around the world. It is a very simple cure for an disturbingly high birth defect that all

Treatment programs need to include special education and vocational training components that emphasize skills leading to the patient functioning in society in the least restrictive, but safest possible environment. Prevention of FAS is the most effective treatment. The cost is astonishing for the long term care of children who have FAS or FAE. In Alaska Senator John Binkly estimated the cost at over 1.4 million dollars over the life span of the individual. Multiple this estimated cost by about 40,000 children a year born with FAS or FAE and the cost is huge. The only possible option for prevention of FAS and FAE is to abstain from alcohol. If only woman didn’t drink anymore during pregnancy, there would never be another baby born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or

The University of Washington School of Medicine is the leader in scientific research of FAS. The school/students have done many controlled research study’s. The Study on Alcohol and Pregnancy, Neuropsychological Analyses of FAS/FAE Deficits, Parent-Child Assistance Program , and the FAS Follow-up Program. One of the many problems of misdiagnosis, and is shown in this study is that, the birth rate of FAS children is nearly 1 per 100 births (ACBR). The problem is this, alcohol-affected children and adults are often denied services when they lack the characteristic FAS face and or mental retardation as defined by a standardized IQ score of less then 69. It is essential that these diagnosis’ become more accurate so that the consequences can be understood and that the markers of clinically affected individuals be identified to support appropriate diagnosis and