Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is one of the most common and devastating birth abnormalities among American children. This paper will provide an in-depth look at FAS, using four reliable sources as a basis of this analysis. The sources used are Streissguth, Jacobson & Jacobson, the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD), and National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS). The information obtained from these sources will be compared with the textbook Infants and Children Prenatal Through Middle Childhood (Berk, 2001).
FAS is a combination of birth defects that is associated with consuming alcohol during pregnancy. It is the leading cause of mental retardation and birth defects, and is entirely preventable. About 12,000 infants are born every year with FAS, while three times this number have AND or ABD (NOFAS).
Those with FAS have a distinctive set of growth deficiencies, facial abnormalities, and central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction (NOFAS). Facial…...
mlaReferences
Berk, Laura E. 2001. Infants and Children Prenatal Through Middle Childhood, 4th ed. Pearson Allyn & Bacon.
Jacobson, Joseph L. Ph.D., and Jacobson, Sandra W., Ph.D. Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Child Development. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, prepared June 2003. 06 March 2004. http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh26-4/282-286.htm
National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS). What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome? 06 March 2004. http://www.nofas.org/main/what_is_FAS.htm
Streissguth, Ann Pytkowicz. 1997. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Guide for Families and Communities. Paul H. Brookes Pub Co.
According to recent studies conducted by Ernest Abel and obert Sokol, the incidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is estimated to be 0.33 cases per 1,000 live births. The States of Missouri less than 25 cases of Fetal alcohol Syndrome out of 80,000 recorded live births.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is considered as a serious health problem that has unfortunately affected victims and their families, however according to reports the inherited disorder ness is completely preventable. (Pauker, S.P. By the Way Doctor)
The child suffering from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is equivalent to subjecting that child into child abuse, which has to endure life long. Babies born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have reported to weigh less and are shorter than normal. Their living routine gets restricted and limited, due to their deformed facial features, poor coordination, learning problems, abnormal joints and limbs, and short memories. Victims of fetal alcohol syndrome often experience mental health…...
mlaReferences
Stratton, K., Howe, C., and Battaglia, F. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment. Washington, DC; National Academy Press, 1996.
Streissguth, a., and Kanter, J. (Eds.) the Challenge of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Seattle: University of Washington, 1997.
Stratton, K., Howe, C., and Battaglia, F. (Eds.) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment. Washington, DC: National Academy Press, 1996.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Alcohol and Your Unborn Baby. Washington, DC: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 1987
Four of those children had short palpebral fissures, a smooth philtrum (see previous article by Blackburn), and "microcephaly" (a situation where a child's head is far smaller than the heads of children the same age), all manifestations of a child whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Dr. Smith and other doctors that got involved began checking the various maladies these children suffered from with other children whose disabilities hadn't been labeled or fully understood, and hence, this research led to the identification of FAS. That said, there still is no "clear-cut alcohol-specific neurobehavioral phenotype for 'Alcohol Related Neurobehavioral Disorders' (ARND)" (378). Smith, along with professor Jones, in fact coined the phrase, fetal alcohol syndrome.
Kvigne, Valborg L., Leonardson, Gary R., Borzelleca, Joseph, Brock, Ellen, Neff-Smith,
Martha, and Welty, Thomas K. (2008). Alcohol Use, Injuries, and Prenatal Visits During
Three Successive Pregnancies Among American Indian Women on the Northern Plains
Who have Children with…...
Again, growth deficiencies occur for many different reasons, and other causes must be ruled out. Central nervous system disorders in FAS can be significant and varied, and mimic other disorders. Diagnosis of FAS can be made on the basis of structural, neurological, or functional CNS disorders. Diagnosis of CNS deficits must also rule out other disorders that can co-exist with FAS, such as autism or oppositional defiant disorder (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities).
Perhaps the most important component in the procedure for the diagnosis of FAS is maternal alcohol exposure. However, this diagnosis can be difficult, as many mothers are reticent to admit that they used alcohol while pregnant. In addition, there is often little information available about alcohol use during pregnancy (National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities).
Interventions for FAS are a diverse as the varied individuals and presentations of the disorder. As such, Miller…...
mlaReferences
Centers for Disease Control. Fetal Alcohol Information. 09 March 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasask.htm
Miller, Darcy. Students with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: New Developments and Intervention Suggestions. New Horizons for Learning. 09 March 2007. http://www.newhorizons.org/spneeds/inclusion/collaboration/miller.htm
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Guidelines for Referral and Diagnosis. 09 March 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/documents/FAS_guidelines_accessible.pdf
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Special Education
About the Child
Pietro is a 7-year-old boy. His biological parents are Argentine and Colombian. He was born approximately six weeks prematurely because of his mother's consumption of alcohol throughout the duration of her pregnancy. According to medical reports, his mother did not consume heavy quantities of alcohol, but she did consume nominal amounts on a regular basis, such as one to three times a week, nearly every week. Pietro's parents put him up for adoption when he was approximately 1-year-old. He was brought to a Catholic orphanage outside of Buenos Aires. There were visiting child development specialists from the United Kingdom and the United States performing work at the charity, and it is under their care where Pietro was first formally diagnosed with FAS. Pietro was subsequently adopted by a Puerto ican and Argentine family residing in New York City, NY. His adoptive family consists of…...
mlaReferences:
Abel, E.L. (1980) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Behavior Teratology. Psychological Bulletin, 87(1), 29 -- 50.
Abel, E.L., & Sokol, R.J. (1987) Incidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Economic Impact of FAS-Related Anomalies. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 19, 51 -- 70.
British Columbia Ministry for Children and Families. (1999) Parenting Children Affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Guide for Daily Living. The Society of Special Needs Adoptive Parents, British Columbia.
Fast, MD, PhD, D.K., Conry, PhD, J., & Loock, MD, C.A. (1999) Identifying Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Among YTouth in the Criminal Justice System. Developmental and Behavior Pediatrics, 20(5), 1 -3.
According to the research, this is "a theoretical framework that seeks to describe a developmental process associated with efforts to provide access for individuals with disabilities to facilities, programs, and information," (dyburn 2001 p 24). This theoretical foundation focuses on the need to increase advocacy through academic research and the exposure of common findings to advocacy groups. Then, phase 2 focuses on making much needed resources and environments for those who were previously denied based on their special education status through environmental accommodation. Finally, there is the accessibility phase, where equal access to similar resources, like education, is the norm.
Research Questions
There are a number of research questions this study aims to explore. They include the following:
Just how much of cognitive functioning is impacted by FAS?
How much does FAS cost schools in terms of special training and care?
Is FAS manageable conditions within the current system, or do new measures need…...
mlaEdyburn, Dave L. (2001). Models. Theories, and frameworks: Contributions to understanding special education technology. Special Education Technology and Practice. Pp 16-25. Web. http://www.temple.edu/martec/accessibility/cd/data/assistivetech/brochure_edy_burn.pdf
Johnson, Bryan; Tamboline, Ann; Williams, Lorna; & Wright, Laurie. (1996). Teaching students with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Special Education. British Colombia Ministry of Education. Web. http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/specialed/fas/welcome.htm
Mattson, Sarah N. & Riley, Edward P. (1998). A review of the neurobehavioral deficits in children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or prenatal exposure to alcohol. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 22(2), 279-295.
If pregnant women will not stop drinking, a broad-spectrum nutritional support may be an appropriate alternative.
Christensen, Damaris (2000). Sobering Work - Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Science News: Science Service, Inc. Retrieved on October 27, 2008 at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_mOISW/us_2001_Nov/ai_79757209?tag=content;col1
The author says that no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy has been established in lieu of avoidance. Many pregnant women who drink heavily want to know how much they drink without harming their fetuses because they do not want to give the habit up. Some researchers say that even low doses of alcohol can bring harm. Animal studies may not be applicable to human subjects as species differ in developmental patterns. The general idea is that the safe drink for pregnant women is one without alcohol.
Rheinstein, Peter H. (1992). Healthy People 2000. American Family Physician: the American Academy of Family Physicians. Retrieved on October 27, 2008 at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m3225/is_n6_v46/ai_13358040?tag=content;col1
The overall aim of this program…...
mlaBibliography
Belcher, H. (2008). Fetal alcohol syndrome: an undiluted danger, 3 pages. Pediatric News: International Medical News Group. Retrieved on October 27, 2008 at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_hb4384/is_8_42/ai_n2945915?tag=content,col1
Bertrand, J. et al. (2001). Guidelines for identifying and referring persons with fetal alcohol syndrome. 24 pages. Morbidity and Mortality Report: U.S. Government Printing Office. Retrieved on October 27, 2008 at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0906/is_11_54/is_11_54/ai_n5894729?tag=content,col1
Christensen D. (2000). Sobering work - fetal alcohol syndrome. 5 pages. Science News: Science Service, Inc. Retrieved on October 27, 2008 at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_mOISW/us_2001_Nov/ai_79757209?tag=content;col1
Encyclopedia of Psychology (2001). Fetal alcohol syndrome. 2 pages. Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology: Gale Group. Retrieved on October 27, 2008 at http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_q2699/is_0004/ai_2699000467?tag=content;col1
Mainstream smoke is exhaled from a smoker. Some experts say that side-stream smoke can emit higher levels of toxins than mainstream smoke. In response to these new reports, the Environmental Protection Agency classified secondhand smoke as a carcinogen because of its harmful effects on the health of both adults and the children of smokers. In addition, a lot more about the harm of other substances in tobacco smoke remains unknown (Cooper & Moley pp 206-209).
oth active and passive smoking can potentially harm almost every organ of the body (Cooper & Moley, 2008 p 209). Smoking has been linked to cardiovascular disease, cancer, stroke and chronic lung disease. Health costs are enormous to public health in terms of increased deaths, the nature of the addition, and the overall medical expenses and indirect costs. A recent survey of 388 women showed that not many of them associate smoking with miscarriage, ectopic…...
mlaBIBLIOGRAPHY
Best, D (2009). Secondhand and prenatal tobacco smoke exposure. Pediatrics, vol 124
# 5: American Academy of Pediatrics, doi: 10.1542/peds.2009-2120
Cooper, a. R and Moley, K.H. (2008). Maternal tobacco use and its pre-implantation effects on fertility: more reasons to stop smoking. Seminars in Reproductive
Medicine:: Thieme Medical Publishers
Drugs and Alcohol
It is a well-known and well-researched fact that a pregnant woman drinking alcohol -- or using other substances that are defined as teratogens -- is taking a risk that her baby could be negatively impacted. In fact there are well over a thousand substances that are considered to be teratogens; Purdue University lists 205 teratogens that begin with the letter "A" -- and even more that begin with "B" -- just to give the researcher and idea of how many dangerous substances that expectant mothers should steer clear of (www.purdue.edu). Essentially, teratology is the study of the "causes and biological processes leading to abnormal development and birth defects" -- an important component of teratology research seeks preventative measures (Tandon, et al., 2009).
Alcohol as a frequently ingested teratogen
According to a peer-reviewed article in the journal Eye, teratology has not received the attention that other research issues have received --…...
mlaWorks Cited
Haig, D. (1993). Genetic conflicts in human pregnancy. PubMed. Retrieved March 26, 2014,
From http://www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov.
Merriam-Webster. (2014). Hypoplasia. Retrieved March 26, 2014, from http://www.merriam-webster.com .
Purdue University. (2008). Teratogens. Retrieved March 26, 2014, from http://www.purdue.edu .
Poor Predictors of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Birthweight and Size are Poor Predictors of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Birthweight and Size are Poor Predictors of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Sampson and colleagues (1994) sought to better understand the relationship between prenatal alcohol exposure, birth size, and the neurobehavioral consequences that predictably emerge during childhood and adolescence. The main thesis of the paper is that prenatal alcohol exposure will impact birth size, but it is unknown how long after birth the correlation remains statistically significant. Since it has already been conclusively established that prenatal alcohol exposure of sufficient magnitude will result in measurable neurobehavioral deficits later in life, the authors simply examine the correlation between the amount of alcohol consumed during gestation and body measures up to the age of 14.
ationale
At the time that this article was published, the research concerning a causal relationship between prenatal alcohol exposure and birth size had produced conflicting results…...
mlaReferences
Blackburn, Carolyn, Carpenter, Barry, and Egerton, Jo. (2009). Facing the Challenge and Shaping the Future for Primary and Secondary Aged Students with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FAS-eD Project). National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, UK. Retrieved 5 Feb. 2013 from http://www.networks.nhs.uk/nhs-networks/foetal-alcohol-syndrome-an-spectrum-and-associated/documents/FAS-eD%20PROJECT%20LITERATURE%20REVIEW-1.pdf.
NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism). (2000). Alcohol Alert. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health. Retrieved 5 Feb. 2013 from http://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa50.htm .
Sampson, Paul D., Bookstein, Fred L., Barr, Helen M., and Streissguth, Ann P. (1994). Prenatal alcohol exposure, birthweight, and measures of child size from birth to age 14 years. American Journal of Public Health, 84(9), 1421-1428.
1968).
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is clearly a debilitating, serious, and devastating disease that affects not only prenatal fetuses, but developing children, teenagers, and adults, as well as their families, and society in general. While more research is needed to discover possible medications, surgery, or other choices for those already born with FAS, the only solution to the problem is education for pregnant women on the dangers of alcohol consumption on the life of their unborn child. Women addicted to alcohol should seek immediate assistance during pregnancy to avoid causing lifelong damage to their child, and those not addicted should abstain from alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It is only through abstinence that FAS can be extinguished.
eferences
Aase, J.M., 1981, "The fetal alcohol syndrome in American Indians: A high risk group," Neurobehavioral Toxicology and Teratology, vol. 3, no. 2, p. 153-156.
Abel, E.L. & Sokol, .J., 1986, "Fetal alcohol syndrome is now leading cause…...
mlaReferences
Aase, J.M., 1981, "The fetal alcohol syndrome in American Indians: A high risk group," Neurobehavioral Toxicology and Teratology, vol. 3, no. 2, p. 153-156.
Abel, E.L. & Sokol, R.J., 1986, "Fetal alcohol syndrome is now leading cause of mental retardation," Lancet, vol. 2, p. 1222.
Abel, E.L. & Sokol, R.J., 1987, "Incidence of fetal alcohol syndrome and economic impact of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome-related anomalies," Drug and Alcohol Dependence, vol. 19, p. 51-70.
CDC, 2005, "CDC issues guidelines for identification of fetal alcohol syndrome," MMWR Morbid Mortal Weekly Report, vol. 54, no. 11, p. 1-15.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a serious condition that arises from prenatal exposure to alcohol. As an entirely preventable disorder, FAS remains a significant public health concern due to its enduring impacts on individuals and society. It is characterized by a constellation of physical, behavioral, and cognitive abnormalities that can have lifelong ramifications for those affected (May et al., 2009).
FAS falls within a broader category of conditions known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), with FAS being at the severe end of the spectrum. The condition was first medically described in 1973 by Jones and Smith, who noted a distinct pattern of dysmorphology and developmental delay in children whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy (Jones & Smith, 1973). Since then, the understanding of FAS and its implications has evolved significantly.
Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause a range of structural abnormalities and growth problems for the fetus. One of the…...
mlaReferences
Aase, J. M. (1994). Clinical recognition of fetal alcohol syndrome: Pitfalls and opportunities. Journal of Pediatrics, 125(5 Pt 1), 767-773.
Astley, S. J., & Clarren, S. K. (2000). Diagnosing the full spectrum of fetal alcohol-exposed individuals: Introducing the 4-digit diagnostic code. Alcohol and Alcoholism, 35(4), 400-410.
Brown, N. N., & Bednar, L. M. (2004). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: A research review. Educational Psychology Review, 16(3), 167-179.
Chasnoff, I. J., Wells, A. M., & Telford, E. (1998). Neurodevelopmental functioning in children with FAS, alcohol-exposed, nonsyndromal children. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research, 22(8), 1698-1705.
08% or higher. Blood Alcohol content is the concentrated amount of alcohol in the blood, and this number can be assessed via chemical and Breathalyzer tests. Though this limit was previously as high as.10% in some states, even the lowered limit is not adequate to prevent alcohol related vehicle accidents. In fact, law enforcement officials classify an accident as alcohol related if a driver's blood alcohol content was.01%, or two drinks, or higher. Though some groups praise the.08% law as one of the biggest steps in drunk driving prevention, other groups believe a no tolerance policy should be adopted for operating under the influence of alcohol, similar to the policy that is already in effect for minors.
The physiological effects of alcohol do not begin at.08%. In fact, they begin at much lower blood alcohol content levels. According to Brown University, moodiness increases at.02-.03%; fatigue, delayed reaction time, and errors in…...
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American Academy of Pediatrics. "Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects."
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Fetal Alcohol Information." Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. 2006. Centers for Disease Control. 6 May 2008. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasask.htm .
Proposition 65." Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment. n.d. California
Alcohol has extreme effects on physical and social functioning that has the potential to harm people who are not involved with the actual consumption. If an individual who has consumed alcohol chooses to drive while intoxicated then the potential for harm is increased exponentially. Of course, the effects on the body itself demonstrate that alcohol is a dangerous drug that should not be available to the general public. As with many illegal or controlled substances or other objects, it has been shown time and time again that the general public often needs protection from themselves, and protection from each other. hen the dangers are also translated to innocent victims like strangers, and close friends, the choice should be removed for those not responsible enough or strong enough to avoid the temptation. Since the existence and knowledge of alcohol cannot be removed, the legality can be and serious punishment imposed…...
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Drinksense. Accessed 9 December 2006 at http://www.gurney.co.uk/drinksense/factsheets/effects.htm .
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December 2006 at http://www.alcoholalert.com/drunk-drivingstatistics.html.
hile each of these studies has reported a cardioprotective effect of alcohol, they differ over which type of alcoholic beverage provides the greatest benefit" (634).
Overlooked in many of these studies, though, is the fact that some people who categorize themselves as being one type of drinker compared to another may engage in other activities that are unhealthy from the outset (for instance, beer drinkers may be more likely to also be tobacco users) while others may engage in a wide range of healthy behaviors (for example, wine drinkers may not be smokers and may job or exercise regularly). As McGregor and his colleagues emphasize, "One inherent difficulty within these studies is that in the general population, drinkers distinguished as primarily wine, beer or spirits drinkers tend to differ in other important aspects. If, for example, wine drinkers are found to be healthier, it may be the result of a…...
mlaWorks Cited
"Alcohol." 2009, Partnership for a Drug-Free America. [Online]. Available: free.org/Portal/drug_guide/Alcohol.http://www.drug
Booth, Brenda M., Joann, Kirchner, John Fortney, Robin Ross and Kathryn Rost, 2000, "Rural
At-Risk Drinkers: Correlates and One-Year Use of Alcoholism Treatment Services."
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Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy can have damaging effects on fetal development and lead to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). When a pregnant woman consumes alcohol, it crosses the placenta and enters the developing fetus's bloodstream, affecting its growth and development in various ways:
1. Alcohol interferes with the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, leading to growth restrictions and low birth weight.
2. Alcohol exposure can disrupt the development of the fetus's brain and central nervous system, resulting in cognitive and behavioral impairments, learning disabilities, and developmental delays.
3. Alcohol can cause structural abnormalities in the fetus's facial features, such as....
Maternal Alcohol Consumption during Pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Introduction
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy is a leading cause of preventable birth defects. Exposure to alcohol in the womb can have severe and lifelong consequences for the developing fetus, leading to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders, including fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).
How Alcohol Affects the Fetus
Alcohol can cross the placenta and reach the fetus directly. Once in the fetal circulation, it can disrupt cell growth and differentiation, particularly in the brain and other organs that are rapidly developing. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the production of essential nutrients, such as folic acid, which are....
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