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Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Fetal alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that covers a range of birth defects that can occur in a baby whose birth mother drank alcohol at any time during pregnancy. FASD is not a diagnosis but refers to a group of conditions which may occur. It is a spectrum which means that the impacts of FASD can range between very mild to significantly impactful on the individual. The possible diagnoses within the range of FASD disabilities include:
While the impact and effects of FASD vary, there is no evidence to determine exactly how much alcohol ingestion will impact a child. The impacts of FASD are a result of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman drinks; so does her child. The alcohol enters the developing fetus’ system through the umbilical cord and through the amniotic fluid. The alcohol also remains in the babies developing system for a longer period of time because the baby is smaller and takes more time to break down the alcohol. The effects of alcohol on the developing fetus can cause a range of physical disabilities, brain and central nervous system disabilities, and behavioural problems. The effects that children are born with are permanent and are referred to as the primary disabilities. The secondary disabilities are those that children are not born with, but may develop later in life. FASD is a complex disability and those affected may need lifelong support. Prevention, identification and intervention are key to improving this situation. Children with FASD fair the best when they are in stable and loving homes. Signs of FASDThe signs of a child who is living with FASD are varying and diverse. The diagnostics should be left to a physician. It is critical to have a doctor do a thorough assessment to rule out other medical or developmental issues that might be treatable. Part of the diagnosis also involves a team of professionals to assess the medical, psychological and developmental functioning of the child. When considering FASD there are currently four diagnostic criteria in Canada.
There are also many other physical symptoms related to FASD such as facial abnormalities, kidney problems, vision and hearing impairments. There are so many ways that a child who is exposed to alcohol prenatally can be affected, it is almost impossible to list them all. Within FASD there are primary and secondary disabilities that may impact a child. Primary disabilities are the direct result of a physiological change that occurs in utero. The change is irreversible because of alcohol exposure. These changes are a spectrum and range in severity for each individual. Each person is impacted differently and may not display the listed disabilities; always consult a physician if you are concerned or believe your child is impacted by a FASD. Primary disabilities:
These primary disabilities can cause significant affects for a child within the home, school and social settings. Without early diagnosis and an effective management plan for ongoing supports, people with a FASD may develop secondary disabilities. These secondary disabilities occur because affects and behaviours can become more difficult when left untreated. The child may experience these secondary impacts at any point. These secondary impacts include:
FASD’s are serious diagnoses that only qualified professionals should make, as there are many other factors that can contribute to a diagnosis. When considering a potential adoptive child with a FASD, you should speak with a specialist, and access the many resources available to help you locate a professional in your area or community. The good news is that a child living with the affects of FASD has the best chances and opportunities when living in a stable and supportive home. The safety and security of a forever family can assist that child in achieving better outcomes. Managing FASDThe physical defects and mental challenges are typically life-long. The psychological and emotional challenges associated with FASD can be difficult to manage. Be sure to speak with your doctor or health professional about local support sources for your family. There are various treatment plans that you can explore; however it is important to consider what the right services and supports for your child may be. Each child’s symptoms are varied and require supports and services that work for their unique needs. You may need to explore many different treatment plans until you find the right one; however, finding the right services are usually the key to successfully assisting your child through some very challenging issues and periods. FASD is diagnosis without a cure. Parenting a child with FASDAdoptive parents should consider all the implications of raising a child with a FASD to ensure a successful placement. Seeking support from a professional and talking to other parents of children living with FASD is a good place to start. This support can be invaluable in making the placement successful. Parenting a child with a FASD can come with life-long challenges for both the family and child. Creating a structured and controlled environment is very important for all children, and especially those with special needs. Children with a FASD require different rules and consequences for their behavior than other children. Despite the needs that children living with a FASD may have; parenting them is rewarding and special. You still experience your child’s firsts and they can have a number of strength’s and abilities. A child living with FASD has the best opportunities and potential when they are living in a loving, supportive and stable home. As an adoptive parent this is what you can offer them. Finding what works for your child will take some trial and error; however, here are some suggestions that may be helpful:
Children living with FASD present with differing symptoms and needs. These include:
“I try to listen in class but before I can understand; the teacher moves to another subject.”
“I DON’T WANT TO WEAR MY COAT TO SCHOOL. I HATE IT! I DON’T WANT TO.”
"I can't sit still at circle time. My legs always want to be moving. “
"I burned myself after touching the oven door. Just like yesterday.”
"Mom told me to change my clothes, brush my teeth and then….I can’t remember the last one!”
"Johnny left his toy to go to the bathroom so I took it. Now he is mad at me and I do not know why. He left it, it is mine now.”
“My teacher said to finish my equations quietly and on my own but I do not understand so many big words all at once.”
“Tying my shoelaces is difficult; my fingers start to hurt.”
Tips for Parents: Create structure, routine and consistency. Bring in the positive and always reinforce their positive behaviour. Try and go out with them to enjoy activities they like. Make sure what they are watching and participating in is appropriate for them. Set realistic expectations; do not ask too much of them. Make sure you surround yourself with good supports. Helpful links and resources for FASDPublic Health Agency of Canada - http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/dca-dea/prog-ini/fasd-etcaf/index-eng.php Health Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health Branch - https://www.canada.ca/en/news/archive/2015/04/health-canada-first-nations-inuit-branch-program-overview.html Health Canada, First Nations and Inuit Health - http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/index-eng.php Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders - http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fasd National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - http://www.nofas.org AddictionCenter: https://www.addictioncenter.com FEELING DIFFERENT: THE EXPERIENCE OF LIVING WITH FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER: https://jptcp.com/index.php/jptcp/article/view/462/393 Content resources Health Canada - http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/hl-vs/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/fasd-etcaf-eng.php Kids Health - http://kidshealth.org/parent/medical/brain/fas.html# Mayo Clinic - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fetal-alcohol-syndrome/DS00184 Rainbowkids - http://www.rainbowkids.com/special-needs/developmental-needs/fetal-alcohol-syndrome |
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