Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on brain development.
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Overview
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. Alcohol crosses placenta damaging developing brain. No amount of alcohol safe in pregnancy. FASD leading preventable cause of learning disability in UK affecting approximately 1 in 100 births far more common than diagnosed. FASD is not always visible. Some have characteristic facial features smooth philtrum thin upper lip small eyes but many do not. Brain damage invisible. Causes learning difficulties impulsivity poor judgement memory problems difficulty understanding consequences emotional dysregulation. Children often misdiagnosed with ADHD ODD autism. Key difference FASD involves poor cause-effect understanding. Consequences do not change behaviour because brain cannot connect action to outcome. Traditional parenting fails spectacularly. Why did you do that gets blank stares they genuinely do not know. FASD lifelong but early diagnosis FASD-informed support dramatically improve outcomes. Strategies involve external structure concrete consequences repetition accepting brain-based limitations. Many adults need lifelong support. FASD preventable but once occurred requires understanding acceptance.
Key Characteristics
- Caused by prenatal alcohol exposure
- Learning and memory difficulties
- Impulsivity and poor judgement
- Difficulty understanding cause and effect
- Emotional dysregulation
- May have facial features not always
- Often misdiagnosed as ADHD or ODD
- Lifelong brain-based differences
What Helps
- FASD assessment through specialist centres
- External structure and supervision
- Concrete immediate consequences
- Repetition and overlearning
- Accept limitations do not expect insight
- Protective factors safe adults routine
- EHCP and social care support
- Life skills teaching with task analysis
- Avoid blame brain damage not choice
- FASD-informed parenting and schools
Note: Informational only. Consult professionals for individualised support.