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FAS Symptoms & Diagnostic Criteria

Recognizing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Foster & Adopted Children

Jul 1, 2008

FAS Facial Features, Wikimedia Commons_TeresaKellerman

Early diagnosis and intervention is crucial for children with FAS. The first step is learning to recognize the symptoms and characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

The one factor that is present in all cases of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is prenatal exposure to alcohol. If the birth mother drank during pregnancy, regardless of the amount, there is the chance of an alcohol-related birth defect. No amount of alcohol consumption during pregnancy has been found to be safe for the developing fetus- none.

A diagnosis of FAS is based on a specific set of criteria: distinct facial pattern, growth deficiencies, central nervous system dysfunction, and a history of prenatal alcohol exposure. To receive a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, a child must exhibit all of these characteristics. Children who exhibit many but not all may be given a diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), which is used to describe individuals who were exposed to alcohol before birth, and have some type of alcohol-related birth defect.

Children who are affected by prenatal alcohol exposure typically have a wide-range of physical, behavioral, mental, and learning challenges. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the number one cause of mental retardation- though not all children with FAS will suffer mental retardation. Alcohol does more damage to the developing fetus than illegal or legal drugs.

Physical Characteristics of FAS

Low birth weight
Small head circumference
Small eye openings
Smooth, wide philtrum
Thin upper lip

The facial characteristics may not be noticeable immediately after birth, or once adolescence is reached. Typically, these characteristics are most noticeable between the ages of two and ten.

Mental & Behavioral Characteristics of FASD

Prenatal alcohol exposure does most of its damage to the developing brain. FAS and other Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are brain damage, and is permanent and irreversible. Behaviors and mental disabilities that stem from these birth defects are often the hardest to deal with, for both parent and child.

A child with FASD, may also be given other diagnoses, such as:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD)
Anxiety Disorder
Mental Retardation

Other behaviors often associated with FASD include:

Hyperactive
Passive or “lazy”
Impulsive
Stubborn
Fearless
Irritable, mood swings
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty adapting to change
Easily over stimulated
Difficulties in school and truancy
Teasing or bullying
Sexual promiscuity, appropriate sexual behavior

A child does not have to exhibit all of these symptoms to have FASD.

Diagnosing a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

If it is suspected that a child may have an alcohol-related birth defect, it is important to seek out a professional diagnosis. Look for a medical professional who is qualified and experienced in diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

Early diagnosis and intervention is imperative in order for the child to receive the proper care, and services, which will help him reach his full potential.

References:

What are the Characteristics of FASD? (pdf), Teresa Kellerman, Fasstar Enterprises.

A Closer Look at Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Texas Adoption Resource Exchange (TARE).

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome & Adoption

Managing FAS Behaviors in Children

The Emotional Aspect of Adopting

The copyright of the article FAS Symptoms & Diagnostic Criteria in Adoption is owned by Crystal Killion. Permission to republish FAS Symptoms & Diagnostic Criteria in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.