Foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term for a range of defects thought to be a direct result of the mother drinking alcohol while pregnant.
FASD can affect the development of cells and organs, but the brain and nervous system are particularly vulnerable. When the symptoms in the child are most distinct it is known as Foetal Alcohol Syndrome. It is a lifelong condition.
According to the British Medical Association, FASD is the most common, non-genetic cause of learning disability in the UK, although it can be misdiagnosed as Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Current estimates say around 6,000 to 7,000 babies are born with FASD of varying severity in the UK each year. The incidence is expected to rise as a result of greater alcohol consumption by women. Older mothers with higher levels of education are more likely to drink alcohol in pregnancy.
However, we don’t know the exact prevalence of FASD and the correlation between alcohol and FASD is not as straightforward as it might at first seem. Scientific studies are complicated by other factors, such as different populations studied and a variety of methods used.
FASD can result in a range of difficulties affecting both physical and mental functioning. Physical issues can include:
Learning difficulties can include:
Behavioural and social difficulties can include:
Children and adolescents with FASD can be immature and naïve and may trust too easily. Ask teachers to provide support both in the classroom and the playground, as children may struggle to relate to classmates. And teachers should think younger – a child with FASD is likely to have a developmental stage lower than the chronological age.
Ask school to refer the child to clinicians who can help, such as Speech and Language Therapists or Occupational Therapists.
In class:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/foetal-alcohol-syndrome/
https://nationalfasd.org.uk/learn-more/practitioners/educators/
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