Fetal Alcohol Syndrome / Effect (FAS/E)

1. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome / Effect (FAS/E) TLSE 240 Presentation For:

2. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Defined • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the name given to a group of physical and mental birth defects that are the direct result of women drinking alcohol during pregnancy or during lactation.

3. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome definition continued… • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a series of mental and physical birth defects that can include • Mental retardation • Growth deficiencies • Central nervous system disorders • Craniofacial abnormalities • Behavioral maladjustments

8. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome definition continued… • Fetal Alcohol Effect is a less severe set of the same symptoms

9. Introduction • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effect • According to The Journal of the American Medical Association • FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation.

10. Introduction continued.. FAS is the only 100% Preventable birth defect

11. Introduction continued… • It is important you recognize: The absence of the FAS symptoms does not rule out neurological developmental damage.

12. Introduction continued… • Prevalence • Socioeconomic factors • Diagnosis • Physical characteristics • Cognitive characteristics • Social and emotional characteristics

13. Restatement of CAUSE Fetal Alcohol Syndrome The Exposure to alcohol in utero (prenatal exposure) or through breast milk

14. PREVALANCE • Estimates are 5000 Infants born each year with FAS • Represents about 1 in every 750 live births • Found in all races and socio-economic groups, however there is a new study showing a disturbing trend

15. Socioeconomic factors & FAS/E Upper Middle Socioeconomic Class Alcoholic Mothers • Incidence of FAS offspring 4.5 % • Mean weight, length, and head circumference 1 standard deviation below the mean • Attention deficit disorder diagnosed in 21%

16. Socioeconomic factors & FAS/E Continued.. Lower Socioeconomic Class Alcoholic Mothers • Incidence of FAS offspring 70.9 % • Mean weight, length and head circumference 2 standard deviations below the mean • Attention deficit disorder diagnosed in 71%

17. DIAGNOSIS • Identification of at-risk infants • Microcephaly • Known heavy episodic drinking (more than 5 drinks per occasion)

18. DIAGNOSIS Continued.. • Cumulative risk index ( Most effective) • Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale • Bayley Scales of Infant Development • Auditory & Visual Stimuli • Motor performance • Reflex behavior • Autonomic regulation • Typically diagnosed later in childhood

19. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS • High threshold for pain- student may be unaware of serious injury or infection • No perception of hunger or satiation • Difficulty perceiving extreme temperatures • Difficulty with visual / spatial perception and balance

20. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Continued... • Deformities • Possible lower height, weight, and head circumference compared with national norms • Medical Complications • Difficulty sleeping

21. COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICS • IQ Ranges • 29 to 142 • Indicator of severity

22. COGNITIVE CHARACTERISTICSContinued.. • Associated Conditions • Learning disabilities • ADHD • Difficulty with sequencing • Difficulty with memory • Difficulty understanding cause/effect relationships • Weak generalizing skills

23. SOCIAL / EMOTIONALCHARACTERISTICS • Stealing, lying, and defiance • Difficulty predicting or understanding consequences of behavior • Easily manipulated and led by others • Innocent, immature, and easily victimized

24. SOCIAL / EMOTIONALCHARACTERISTICS Continued... • Difficulty making and keeping friends • Overly friendly and affectionate • Stubborn

25. Secondary Affects • Mental health problems • Disruptive schooling • Legal problems • Confinement • Inappropriate sexual behavior • Dependent living • Employment problems

26. Secondary Affects continued… Some of these affects are the result of professionals incorrectly identifying behavior and not responding to the needs of these individuals.

27. Suggested Accommodations • KISSKeep It Short and Simple • Establish predictable routines • Color code to increase organization • Keep rules simple and parallel • Use verbal cues such as mnemonics or songs to remind students what is next • Vary teaching techniques • Use many visuals to aid in understanding

28. Specific Accommodations • Provide a hard copy or audio tape of important information • Avoid why questions and essays • Give instructions one step at a time and have the student repeat them back in their own words to check for understanding

29. Accommodations continued.. • Use rhythms to focus attention: hand clapping • Establish a peer tutor system • Do not use euphemisms, sarcasm, or figures of speech

30. Discipline Suggestions • Review and repeat consequences often • Offer interesting rewards • Set limits and be consistent Offered by the National Organization for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS)

31. Discipline Suggestionscontinued... • Avoid threats • Use Positive praise • Have pre-established consequences for behavior

32. PREVENTION • Clinical Assessment • Training of doctors and clinicians • Alcohol consumption screening of pregnant women in prenatal clinics • Community Outreach • Screening of suspected children • Focus on high risk populations • Epistemilogic knowledge to attack alcohol-related birth defects