Warning signs of FASD
Each September 9th is World Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day. This date reminds us of the nine months of pregnancy and helps raise awareness about the importance of avoiding alcohol during gestation.
FASD is a 100% preventable condition, and on this day we remember that no amount of alcohol consumed by the biological mother during pregnancy is safe for the baby.
The diagnosis of FASD has often been linked to international adoption, more specifically to Eastern European countries, but in recent years it has been shown that this is not entirely true.
Alcohol consumption during pregnancy, a cause of FASD
Within the association movement of families affected by FASD, we find families who have adopted within the national territory or have minors in foster care, and some biological families are considering the possibility that their sons and daughters with other complex diagnoses may be related to the occasional consumption of alcohol.
For many years, it has been suggested in clinical practice that pregnant women should limit their alcohol consumption during pregnancy, although many professionals did not report the real consequences of occasional or minimal consumption, due to a lack of scientific evidence or ignorance.
Another factor that may have led to the birth of a person affected by FASD is that the pregnant woman takes between 6 and 8 weeks to find out she is pregnant. She may consume alcohol without knowing she is pregnant, and during this time the baby's brain is already developing.
We now know that any drop of alcohol during pregnancy is not safe for the baby and will have lifelong consequences.
Many families are unaware not only of the consequences of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, but also of the diagnosis of FASD. This lack of awareness leads to a long search for answers from various professionals in an attempt to shed light on what is affecting their children's developmental progress during childhood and adolescence.
Another difficulty that professionals encounter when diagnosing FASD is comorbidity with other mental health conditions, addictions, or disabilities.
FASD can go unnoticed for years, so it is important to recognize its signs in order to access the necessary support and resources.
From our association movement of families of people with FASD, we always emphasize a key message: it is essential to support and offer help to both the person affected by FASD and their family.
The main question a family should ask is whether the pregnant mother consumed alcohol. Sometimes this information is unknown, so paying attention to certain warning signs can be helpful for diagnosis:
- Attention deficit, difficulty distinguishing fantasy from reality, and poor short-term memory.
- Speech and language disorders.
- Deficits in information processing, comprehension, and learning.
- Lack of connection with social rules and difficulties in relationships with peers.
- Lack of personal boundaries and appreciation of the consequences of their actions.
- Low motivation in rewarding or complex activities.
- Low frustration tolerance.
- Confusion under pressure.
- Difficulty understanding abstract concepts (time, money, rules,)
- Difficulty managing and regulating emotions.
- Poor impulse control and inability to manage anger.
- Tendency towards stubbornness.
If you notice any of these signs, you can consult your primary care or mental health professionals and get in touch with associations.
At AFASAF-FASD, we are a non-profit organization focused on mutual support among families, with the guidance of qualified professionals. We offer programs for care, intervention, and support to affected individuals and their families.
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