Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) include fetal alcohol syndrome and other conditions in which children have some, but not all of the symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome, such as alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) and alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD).

Children who have none of the visible or physical symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can have central nervous system symptoms that are just as severe as those of children who have been diagnosed with all of the symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome.

Symptoms of FASD

The symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can include facial abnormalities, growth deficiencies, skeletal deformities, organ deformities, central nervous system handicaps and behavioral problems in later life.

Here are some of the symptoms which can occur in children with prenatal exposure to alcohol:

Facial Abnormalities

Small head
Small eye openings
Webbing between eyes and base of nose
Drooping eyelids
Failure of eyes to move in the same direction
Short, upturned nose
Flattened cheekbones
Sunken nasal bridge
Flat or absent groove between nose and upper lip (philtrum)
Smooth and thin upper lip
Opening in roof of mouth
Small upper jaw
Low set or malformed ears

Growth Deficiencies

Small body size and weight
Slower than normal physical development
Failure to 'catch up' in growth

Skeletal Deformities

Deformed ribs and sternum
Curved spine
Caved-in chest wall
Bent, fused, webbed or missing fingers or toes

Extra fingers
Abnormal palm creases
Limited movement of joints
Hip dislocations
Small skull
Excessive hair
Underdeveloped fingernails or toenails

Organ Deformities

Heart defects
Heart murmurs
Incomplete development of brain structures
Umbilical or diaphragmatic hernia
Genital malformations
Kidney or urinary defects

Central Nervous System Handicaps

Small brain size
Faulty arrangement of brain cells and tissue
Mild to severe mental retardation
Learning disabilities
Poor memory
Lack of imagination or curiosity
Poor language skills
Poor problem-solving skills
Short attention span
Poor coordination
Irritability in infancy
Hyperactivity in childhood
Poor reasoning and judgment skills
Sleep and sucking disturbances in infancy

Behavioral Problems

Inability to concentrate
Social withdrawal
Stubbornness
Impulsiveness
Anxiety
Problems with daily living
Psychiatric problems
Criminal behavior
Chronic unemployment
Incomplete education
Inappropriate sexual behavior
Substance abuse problems
Poor parenting skills

Help for Children With FASD

The above symptoms and conditions can have life-long implications for children who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. However, there is help for even those the most severely affected by their mother's drinking.

Getting early intervention to identify these disorders can help ensure a child gets the services and therapy they need for the best outcomes.

Research has shown that FASD children who receive special education and adequate social services are more likely to reach their developmental and education potential than those who do not receive those services.

A loving, nurturing and stable home life, without disruptions, harmful relationships or transient lifestyles, has also been shown to benefit children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Those who live in abusive, unstable or violent environments are more likely to develop later behavioral problems.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders" https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd/.