What is an FASD?

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. Each year in the U.S., as many as 40,000 babies are born with an FASD. The cost to the nation for FAS alone is about $6 billion a year.

Facts:

• FASD is the leading known preventable cause of mental impairments and birth defects.
• FASD affects 1 in 100 live births or as many as 40,000 infants each year.
• An individual with fetal alcohol syndrome can incur a lifetime health cost of over $800,000.
• Children do not outgrow FASD. The physical and behavioral problems can last a lifetime.
• FAS and FASD are found in all racial and socio-economic groups.
• FAS and FASD are not genetic disorders. Women with FAS or affected by FASD have healthy babies if they do not drink alcohol during their pregnancy.
• Estimates are as high as 1900 children age 19 or younger are living in Macomb County that have FASD. Many will not be diagnosed. Many do not have the facial features that lead to an early diagnosis. FASD is often termed the “invisible disability”. However, the behaviors and difficulty processing information will be very apparent and often mis-diagnosed.
• 70% of foster children will have FASD to some varying degree.
• For those living with FASD, early detection and delivery of services is essential. Without it, the risk of secondary disabilities increases.
• 61% suspended or expelled from school or dropped out.
• 60% trouble with the law.
• 50% confined- imprisoned or in inpatient psychiatric or substance abuse treatment).
• 49% repeated inappropriate sexual behaviors.
• 35% alcohol or drug problems.
• 79% problems with employment.
• 83% need dependent living.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day

In The News

Just one glass of wine. Just one. Think again. That one glass of wine could be the beginning of a life-long disability for your unborn child.
College students across the country are putting their unborn children at a potential risk for FASD (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder) by not altering their habits. Binge drinking and unprotected sex are two of the main reasons why 42,000 children are born with this disorder each year.
For full story: http://www2.oakland.edu/nursing/news.cfm?ID=257

September 9 World FASD Awareness Day