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B R E A K I N G D O W N B R I C K W A L L S F O R F A S D What is Fetal Alcohol Exposure? What is Fetal Alcohol
Effects (FAE)? What is Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE)? Some children are affected by alcohol but do not have all the features of FAS. These children may be diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE). They may have normal growth and a more normal appearance. They are more likely to have a normal IQ than a child with FAS. Like children with FAS, those with FAE can have mild to severe problems. These may involve problems with reasoning, behavior and learning. Alcohol
Related Birth Injury (FASD) Quiz ABOUT FASD
What are the Characteristics of FASD? Not all children with FASD are alike. The effects range from mild to severe. They depend on the amount of alcohol used and the time in which it is used. They also depend on the mother’s diet, age and drinking history. Typically, children with FASD have more physical, developmental and behavioral problems than other children. Early identification is the first step to an improved prognosis. The following are the most common characteristics found in children affected by alcohol use during pregnancy. Remember, not all children with FASD have all the characteristics. Physical Characteristics Related to FASD Growth deficiencies may include:
Facial malformations may include:
Other effects may include:
Behavioral Characteristics Related to FASD Children with FASD often have behavior problems due to brain injury. Some have more behavioral problems than others. Some are so severely affected that they cannot function independently in the community. Behavior problems will vary. They include:
Other effects may include:
Learning Difficulties Related to FASD Children with FASD frequently have learning difficulties. These difficulties result from poor thinking and processing skills. Information may be known, but cannot be applied to different situations. Learning may occur in spurts. Easy learning periods may be followed by harder ones. During difficult periods, children may have trouble remembering and using their learned information. Because of inconsistent learning, teachers may think they are just not trying. They may label them as lazy or stubborn. Difficulties may include:
A shift in how to understand children with FASD may be helpful. This shift includes moving: Check out article is it the Child won't or can't
D. Malbin (1994) Inappropriate Social Skills Related to FASD Children with FASD often show socially inappropriate behavior due to impaired practical reasoning skills. They also may be unable to consider results of their actions. They may miss cues used as subtle messages like gestures and facial expressions. They may be socially and emotionally immature and have difficulty getting along with peers. Children with FASD can be easily influenced by others. Due to their trusting nature and eagerness to please, random attraction to strangers may occur. They may be vulnerable to manipulation and victimization. This can cause concern for caregivers. Constant supervision may be required. Developmental Skills Related to FASD There is a great difference between physical maturity and emotional and social development. An individual of 18 years of age with FASD may have a much lower developmental age. Problems can occur if age-appropriate behavior is expected but cannot be met. Gradual catch-up may occur in adulthood. Go to Timelines for more information. Skill Expected at 18 Developmental Age Equivalent Expressive Language ----------------------------------------> 20 yrs. D. Malbin (1994) Positive Characteristics of Children with FASD Children with FASD have many valuable qualities and talents. With early identification, intervention and family support many can develop their best qualities. These children may be:
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