Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Guide. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults. FAS Signs. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Face. FAS Personality Symptoms. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Causes & Treatment.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a severe condition that arises from alcohol exposure during pregnancy, causing brain damage, growth issues, and intellectual challenges in children. FAS can harm an unborn child’s growth and brain development, creating lasting consequences. FAS-affected children may exhibit small eye sockets, a smooth area between the nose and upper lip, and flattened cheekbones. Children born with FASD can show problems, like as facial, wide-set, narrow eyes, growth abnormalities, nervous system, medical, behavioral, educational, and social problems. The damage can extend to visible areas of the body, such as the eyes, lips, fingers, and toes. Discover how to identify fetal alcohol syndrome in adults (FASD).

FASD Behavior Checklist 

The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Behavior Checklist is a screening tool for identifying potential behavioral symptoms of FASD in children and adolescents. This checklist is not diagnostic but lists red flags that may warrant further evaluation or screening for FASD. Here are some examples of behaviors that may be included in the FASD checklist:

1. Difficulty with impulse control and self-regulation
2. Difficulty with memory and learning
3. Poor social skills and interpersonal relationships
4. Difficulty with problem-solving and decision-making
5. Aggressive and challenging behavior
6. Inappropriate sexual behavior
7. Anxiety and mood swings
8. Hyperactive and or impulsive behavior
9. Difficulty following rules and limits
10. Poor judgment
11. Prone to outbursts and tantrums
12. Trouble with executive functioning
13. Troubling substance use or misuse, such as alcohol or drugs

One or more of these behaviors does not necessarily mean the child or adolescent has FASD. However, if a child or adolescent exhibits multiple behaviors listed on the FASD Behavior Checklist, it may be prudent to seek further evaluation or screening for FASD. The checklist can be used with fetal alcohol syndrome face and related physical symptoms to assess FAS vs. FASD.

Causes of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults 

The cause of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a woman drinking alcoholic beverages during pregnancy. This includes not only “hard liquor” but also beer and wine. Whatever alcohol is in a pregnant woman’s bloodstream will pass through the umbilical cord to the developing baby (fetus). The fetus cannot process alcohol through the liver or other organs, so it is exposed to the same amount of alcohol in the mother’s bloodstream for extended periods.

Alcohol can interfere with the normal development of the fetus, particularly the brain and central nervous system. This occurs in any of the following ways:

Alcohol can pass through the placenta and affect the development of the fetus. FAS can damage developing cells and tissues, including the brain and nervous system, leading to various physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems.

Common Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Adult Symptoms

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) can affect an individual’s physical and psychological development. Many adults affected by FAS in childhood may struggle with specific health issues as they age, including facial characteristics indicative of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Typical facial features associated with fetal alcohol syndrome in adults include:

Secondary Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Symptoms in Adults

In addition to the primary symptoms of FAS, affected individuals may develop secondary conditions that can further impact their health and well-being. Some examples of secondary conditions of FAS in adults can include:

1. Mental health issues: Adults with FAS may be more likely than their peers to experience mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and suicidal ideation.
   • Depression affects 44% of adults with FAS.
   • Psychotic symptoms affect 40%.
   • Anxiety affects 20%.
   • Bipolar disorder affects 20%.
2. Unemployment and financial instability: Due to cognitive and behavioral difficulties associated with FAS, affected adults may struggle to maintain employment or experience financial instability.
   • 87% of individuals with FAS do not have a regular job.
   • 70% are unemployed.
3. Addiction and legal problems: Adults with FAS may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors and may struggle to understand the consequences of their actions, which, in turn, can lead to legal problems or involvement with the criminal justice system.
   • 60% are impacted by alcohol or drug dependence.
4. Social isolation: Adults with FAS may struggle with social skills, making it challenging to form and maintain meaningful relationships with peers or access social support.
   • 80% need help with their daily activities.
   • 66% live in an assisted living or institutional environment.
5. Chronic health conditions: Adults with FAS may be at higher risk for certain chronic health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease than their peers.

Secondary conditions of FAS can vary widely depending on the individual, and not all adults with FAS will develop these complications. However, early diagnosis and appropriate intervention can help minimize the impact of FAS on individuals’ health and well-being and increase the likelihood of positive outcomes. If you or a loved one may be affected by FAS, seeking qualified medical and mental health support is essential.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults Symptoms Vs Infants Vs Childhood

Unraveling the mystery of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can be challenging. While some cases can be diagnosed right after birth, identifying FASD can also become apparent during childhood or early adulthood. These disorders can manifest as subtle social or intellectual concerns, birth defects, and growth abnormalities during pregnancy.

When Can FAS Be Detected In A Child?

Discovering if your child has fetal alcohol syndrome can be determined in a few ways. A healthcare professional may be able to diagnose a newborn with fetal alcohol syndrome based on their small size and distinct physical characteristics. However, diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can be challenging. FASD can manifest during childhood or early adulthood with mild social or intellectual issues, or it can be evident during pregnancy through birth defects and growth complications. To determine a diagnosis, various tests and assessments are conducted.

If you have consumed any amount of alcohol while pregnant, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider and your baby’s pediatrician. They can assist you in planning for your child’s future.

Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults

Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is no easy task. No direct test is available, and pregnant individuals may not fully disclose their alcohol consumption history during pregnancy. However, pediatric healthcare providers can often identify FAS based on certain factors, including:

1. History of alcohol use by the mother during pregnancy.
2. Physical signs such as unique facial features (smooth connection between nose and upper lip, thin upper lip, and small eyes).
3. Small size at birth and ongoing throughout childhood.
4. Emotional and behavioral issues like difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and poor judgment.

The symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults (FAS) can sometimes resemble those of other disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Williams syndrome.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Celebrities

Understanding the hidden struggles of celebrities who influence global change and raise awareness for critical issues. These famous individuals face their health battles despite being placed on social pedestals. From fighting against FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome), our Chicago rehab sheds light on the dangers of alcohol abuse during pregnancy. Join us in spreading awareness and understanding the importance of responsible choices.

Unveiling Celebrities with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

While some effects of FAS may not be readily apparent even close up, it’s a reality that numerous celebrities live with this condition. Many manage it through medication or surgeries, while others exhibit minimal or no apparent signs.

Join us on this journey as we reveal unexpected celebrities who have FAS, shedding light on a lesser-known aspect of their lives.

Some famous people with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have chosen to come out and share their stories. Some have become advocates for raising awareness and supporting those impacted by the condition. While they may not be widely known celebrities traditionally, they are influential in their advocacy work. One example is Jodee Kulp, an influential FASD education, support, and awareness advocate. She has written several books and actively speaks and trains on FASD-related topics.

By sharing their stories and experiences, Famous Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Adults can help spread awareness and understanding of FASD, support, and advocate for those affected by the condition.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Treatment

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most severe type of FASD. Fetal alcohol syndrome symptoms in adults last a lifetime. There is no cure for fetal alcohol syndrome in adults, but treatments can help manage the symptoms. These include medicines to help with FASD in adults symptoms, medical care for health problems, behavior and education therapy, and parent training. A good treatment plan is specific to the issues. It should include close monitoring, follow-ups, and changes when needed and provide:

• Medicines targeted at easing some symptoms of FAS, like depression and anxiety.
• Mental health therapy to help with both behavioral and educational progress.
• Family, parent, and caregiver training.

FAS is a preventable condition, and women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid drinking alcohol. There is no safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and struggling with alcohol use, seeking help as soon as possible is necessary to reduce the risk of FAS and other complications. Treatment and support options are available, so don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider, a support group, or a trusted friend or family member for assistance.

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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults Statistics

In a 2022 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), CDC investigators discovered that nearly 14% (or 1 in 7) of pregnant women reported drinking, while about 5% (or 1 in 20) reported binge drinking in the last 30 days. Pregnant women who encountered frequent mental distress (14 or more days of poor mental health in the past 30 days) and those who did not have a regular healthcare provider were more likely to report alcohol use.

This MMWR report highlights the prevalence of alcohol use among pregnant people in the United States. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that pregnant women abstain from alcohol due to its risks to fetal development and pregnancy outcomes, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

The report emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to screen pregnant patients for alcohol use and provide appropriate interventions, such as referral to addiction treatment and supportive services. It also highlights the need for public health campaigns to educate the public about the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy and to promote healthy behaviors and access to healthcare.

The finding that pregnant women experiencing frequent mental distress are more likely to report alcohol use underscores the importance of addressing mental health issues during pregnancy and providing appropriate support and treatment.

Ultimately, this MMWR report serves as a reminder that alcohol use during pregnancy is a significant public health concern. Efforts must be taken to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant people and their fetuses.

Moreover, using medical and other records, CDC studies have identified about one infant with FAS for every 1,000 live births in some regions of the United States. The most recent CDC study analyzed medical and other records and found FAS in 0.3 out of 1,000 children from 7 to 9 years of age.

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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults Infographic

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in adults is caused by exposure to alcohol during fetal development. It can cause many physical, cognitive, and behavioral problems that last a lifetime. FAS in adults can lead to difficulties with learning, memory, decision-making, impulse control, and social skills. Raising awareness of FAS in adults is important because it is a preventable condition affecting millions worldwide.

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Signs of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults

If you or someone you know is exhibiting symptoms of FASD in adults, seek medical attention immediately. While some of the symptoms of alcohol fetal syndrome in adults can be treated, the disorder is permanent. Commonly noted FASD symptoms in adults are as follows:

Adults born with fetal alcohol syndrome vary in their presentation of symptoms depending on how much alcohol their mother consumed during pregnancy.  This is why diagnosing FASD in less severe cases can be challenging. But even with minimal FASD symptoms adults present, adults will struggle in various ways that complicate their everyday lives.

There are no exact statistics on how many people have fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). It can sometimes be challenging to diagnose a person with FASD because of the various symptoms and spectrum of severity. Also, not all people who drink while pregnant feel comfortable talking to their healthcare provider. This means that some people with mild symptoms of FASD and mild fetal alcohol syndrome in adults might never be diagnosed.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults Infographic

Remembering that FAS is a complex disorder that can have diverse effects on people is crucial. Although there is currently no cure for FAS, individuals with the condition can lead happy lives with the help of early intervention and the proper treatment.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Face in Adults Features

The characteristic facial features associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) tend to be more pronounced in children. However, certain facial features may still be visible in adults with FAS.

Fetal alcohol syndrome face features in adults pictures example:

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The features of fetal alcohol syndrome face in adults can be easily detectable in some cases. Source, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults Pictures Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Face in Adults Characteristics

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) was first defined in 1973 as a condition characterized by pre and postnatal growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities, and central nervous system defects. The pattern of facial defects resulting from ethanol exposure during development primarily affects the midline of the face, altering the morphology of the eyes, nose, and lips [3]. Ethanol damage to cranial neural crest cells (CNCC) early in embryonic development is responsible for these minor midline abnormalities.

A linear relationship exists between ethanol exposure and the severity of expression of ethanol-induced defects. Although the intensity, duration, and timing of prenatal ethanol exposure can dramatically affect the manifestation of these abnormalities, the general trend is that as exposure to ethanol increases, the expression of abnormal facial traits increases.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults Awareness Month

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Month is observed in September to raise awareness of the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy and its lifelong effects on individuals and their families. The goal is to educate people about the risks of drinking during pregnancy and encourage women to prevent FAS in their children. Prevention strategies include avoiding drinking during pregnancy, seeking prenatal care, and improving access to alcohol abuse treatment and support for women with alcohol use disorder.

Risk Factors of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome In Adults

The severity of alcohol effects on a fetus primarily depends on the following:

Other factors can also influence how prenatal alcohol exposure affects children. These include:​

Maternal Characteristics

Research demonstrates that children may be more affected by prenatal alcohol exposure if their mothers:

Environmental Factors

Research demonstrates that children can be more affected by prenatal alcohol exposure if their mothers experience adverse living conditions and high stress levels. These may include social isolation, living in circumstances where alcohol misuse is common and accepted, and living in a community where resources for prenatal care are limited.

Genetics

The extent of fetal adult alcohol syndrome may depend on the mother’s genetic makeup, her child’s genetic makeup, and changes in gene activity caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.

Complications of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome 

Problem behaviors not present at birth that can result from having alcohol fetal syndrome adults (secondary disabilities) may include:

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Effects in Adults 

Fetal alcohol syndrome is a condition that can affect an individual far beyond infancy and childhood. Many people with FAS have difficulty due to the condition into adulthood and the rest of their lives. The physical effects of fetal alcohol syndrome are one of the adults’ most prominent FAS symptoms. For example, many people with adult fetal alcohol syndrome are smaller in stature and shorter than others due to development and growth problems caused by the condition. Not to mention more obvious signs like fetal alcohol syndrome face irregularities.

Additional physical effects of FAS that are apparent in adulthood may include:

Some of these physical defects may be minor or even unnoticeable. However, some deformities in the facial area can signify brain damage in the individual. Knowing the fetal alcohol syndrome signs in adults can help you get treatment. Remember, you are not alone. Therapeutic and medical help can make all the difference in your life.

Detailed FAS Mental and Neurological Signs

Physical symptoms are not the only way fetal alcohol syndrome in adults can impact a person’s life. Many adults with fetal alcohol syndrome also experience significant mental and developmental problems.

Fetal alcohol syndrome in adults can directly damage the central nervous system, resulting in structural and neurological deficiencies. These deficiencies can cause several issues as the person develops into a child and adult. An adult with fetal alcohol syndrome requires specialized care to cope with their condition.

The mental effects that may occur as a result of FAS include:

Some individuals with fetal alcohol syndrome in adults may show no signs or symptoms of this condition after infancy. However, many people with FAS will struggle with this condition for the rest of their lives.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults’ Personality

According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) [4], adults with alcohol fetal syndrome (FASDs) have high psychiatric and personality disorders, problems with drugs and alcohol, and difficulties with the law. Crimes committed by an adult with FAS are often due to this condition’s developmental and mental effects. For example, a person may steal because he or she cannot understand the concept of ownership.

Other secondary effects that a person may experience due to FAS include trouble maintaining a steady job, difficulty finding and keeping housing, and money management. According to a study by the University of Washington, an estimated 79 percent of people with FAS had difficulty with steady employment.

Many individuals with fetal alcohol syndrome adult require specialized care to cope successfully with life. With help, many adults with FAS can lead productive and relatively independent lives.

Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults

How to diagnose fetal alcohol syndrome in adults? Individuals are generally diagnosed with FAS in childhood. Adults can also be evaluated and diagnosed, although challenges include obtaining reliable alcohol exposure histories and changes in the physical phenotype. 

More research is necessary to define the physical phenotype in adulthood, but currently, the research suggests that microcephaly, a thin upper lip, and shortened stature are persistent features. In an adult who has not previously been evaluated for FASDs, these features could alert a healthcare provider that such an evaluation should be considered. 

No specific medical tests exist for FAS, so a diagnosis is usually made based on various factors. These include:

There is no safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and it is recommended that pregnant women abstain from drinking entirely.