Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

"Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications."

"FASD is the leading known preventable cause of mental retardation and birth defects."

From the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.


~~Today I had the opportunity to speak to a leading researcher on FASD at the University of San Diego. This extremely busy man took time out of his day to return the call of an exhausted and frustrated mom. Dr. Ed Riley has done extensive research on FASD and it's effects on the brain. He is in the trenches, so to speak, with parents, educators, neurologists, and other psychologists like himself who are working tirelessly to educate people on the irreparable damage caused by prenatal drinking.
My story was no different than most. He listened intently while I told him all the diagnoses we've received so far with Boo. He assured me that everything I had told him about Boo was right in line with ARND (Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder). It is something that is not easily diagnosed by professionals. It is not a clinical diagnosis (yet).
Boo's best hope right now is getting intervention services for his Autism and ADHD diagnosis. Unfortunately, ASD is where the money is right now. FASD, while it affects 1 in 100 births is not something that is very well known. Most children with FASD are not diagnosed properly. They are labeled as having ADHD or even Conduct Disorder and everything in between. 80% of children with FASD have little to no physical anomalies and yet their central nervous system has been forever damaged. Unlike other disorders, FASD cannot be cured. It is organic brain damage and will stay with a child for the rest of their lives impacting everything from their education to their relationships with others. Many people with FASD are unable to leave home when they are 18. They are unable to function as an adult. Their behavior and emotional immaturity often get them into trouble with the law.
There may not be a cure but there is a prevention. There is no known amount of alcohol that is safe during pregnancy. Drinking can cause lifelong brain damage and my son is walking proof of that fact!

More to come on treatment for FASD...........