There are currently five conditions that make up FASD, including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
Unfortunately, up to 5% of first graders in the United States have FASD.
Although FAS is an incurable lifelong condition that is underdiagnosed, treatment can improve its symptoms.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
This article will discuss the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of FAS in children and adults.
When consumed during pregnancy, alcohol crosses the placenta and enters the fetus’s bloodstream.
It is a lifelong condition affecting people through adulthood.
However, most studies have not researched FAS symptoms in people over the age of 30.
People with FAS have better outcomes if they experience a supportive and loving environment during childhood.
Having four or more drinks within two hours is considered a single binge-drinking episode for females.
Goal of Fetal Alcohol Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for FAS.
Treatment focuses on controlling the symptoms of the condition.
Treatment strategies for FAS include nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions.
Lifelong treatment is required and is more effective if collaborative care coordination occurs between all professional agencies.
The families of people with FAS should also be included in treatment interventions.
The use of stimulants in FAS is mixed.
Some studies show it helps reduce hyperactivity but has little effect on improving attention.
First-line treatments for children with ADHD and FAS include methylphenidate- and amphetamine-derived stimulants.
If you are having unprotected sex and not using birth control, you must abstain from alcohol.
The U.S. surgeon general also recommends abstaining from alcohol if you’re trying to conceive.
FAS is permanent and incurable.
Although there is no treatment for FAS, there are strategies that can improve its symptoms.
No amount of alcohol at any point during pregnancy is safe.
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American Academy of Pediatrics.Screening, assessment, and diagnosis.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Treatment of FASDs.
American Academy of Pediatrics.Behavioral interventions in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Types of treatments for FASDs.
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