What is FASD?

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was first reported by Jones and Smith in 1973. Prior to that Lemoine published a series of 127 cases in France highlighting the presentation of people exposed to alcohol whilst pregnant.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with Sentinel Facial Features is characterised by central nervous system impairments, confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure, and the 3 sentinel facial features. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder without Sentinel Facial Features is characterised by impaired central nervous system impairments, confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure, and 2 or less sentinel facial features.

Sentinel facial features include short palpebral fissures (the opening between a person’s eyelids), a flat or smooth philtrum (the ridge between our upper lip and nose) and thin upper lip vermilion. Having sentinel facial features does not imply a more severe form of FASD or greater impairment.

If a woman drinks alcohol during pregnancy the toxins in her blood pass to the foetus through the umbilical cord. This exposure to alcohol can cause physical, mental or behavioural damage to the baby.

A person with FASD may experience the following:

• Abnormal facial features such as a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip
• Small head size
• Below average height
• Low body weight
• Poor coordination
• Hyperactive behaviour
• Poor memory
• Difficulty with attention
• Learning disabilities
• Speech and language delays
• Poor reasoning or judgement skills
• Vision or hearing problems
• Problems with the heart, kidneys or bones

There is no cure for FASD but research shows that early intervention can improve a child’s development. Medication can help some symptoms and behaviour and education therapy can provide management techniques for other symptoms.