Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Persists
• Rekindling awareness
for the new
millennium
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Persists
• Research strong in 1970’s-1980’s
– Culture insures the problem persists
• Fetal damage: body, mind, social issues
– Nature insures the problem persists
• Topic bridges the gap between science,
medical, clinical, social, and practical
FAS Problem, Researchers
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“Fetal alcohol
syndrome (FAS)
now is recognized
as the leading
known cause of
mental retardation
in the US,
surpassing Down
syndrome and spina
bifida.”
Ann Streissguth, Ph.D
Alcohol Affects Placenta
• Late-term fetus
• Placenta structure
and function
• Umbilical cord
• Alcohol reduces
oxygen to fetus
• Alcohol reduces AA’s,
glucose & vitamins
passing thru placenta
Migrating Nascent Neurons
Teratogen: Alcohol
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Maternal blood alcohol concentration
Alcohol breakdown (liver) elimination
Fetus BAC
Alcohol diffusion across placenta
– High concentration to low
– No liver enzymes to breakdown alcohol
– Alcohol diffuses out when mother BAC is
lower than fetal BAC
“The Mind” FAS
Lip-Philtrum Guide
Alcohol as a Teratogen
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FAS/FAE continuum: who is affected?
Agent: Alcohol
Dose: light, moderate, heavy, binge
Timing: 1st, 2nd, 3rd trimester
Genetic/metabolic factors: enzymes
Nutritional: vitamins, prenatal care
Polydrug use: smoking, others
FASD Changes
• Cognitive changes
– Intelligence
– Math weakness
• Social changes
– Several antisocial behaviors
– Prison time
• FAS induced static encephalopathy
– Several abnormalities
FASD Developmental Changes
Physical alterations:
– Face, less noticeable
– Size, smaller than average
• Cognitive changes (few alterations)
– Math problems persist
– Abstract thinking, problem solving same
• Social problems same or worse
FASD Social Challenges
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Failure to consider consequences
Unresponsive to subtle social cues
Lack of friendships
Stubbornness or sullenness
Low self-esteem
Social withdrawal
Teasing or bullying
Dishonesty
Excessive unhappiness
FASD School Challenges
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Lack of initiative
Poor concentration
Poor math skills
Dependency
Impulsivity
ADHD symptoms
Adverse relationships with teachers
FASD Adult Challenges
• Delinquent behaviors
• Sexual problems
– Pregnancy, paternity
– STD’s
• Not able to find and hold jobs
• Drug use and abuse including alcohol
• Prison recidivism, est. 1/5 prisoners FAS
FAS Statistics
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Over 10,000 births/day in USA
FAS births: 1/700 = 14/day
FAE disorders: 1/100 = 100/day
Over 90% FAS/FAE develop mental probs
Lifetime cost: $5M/FAS person
Taxpayers cost: $5M/day, $1.9B/year
Alternatives & Solutions
• Challenges:
– Clinicians have a good understanding of
alcohol’s ability to damage CNS
– Educators inform themselves & students
– Parental involvement = better outcomes
– Community assistance
• Living/working arrangements
• Alternatives to prison
Teacher’s Opportunities
• More info: NEW K-12 Curriculum
Available from NOFAS from CDC
education and prevention program
• PPT show package about FAS
• Resource guide for teachers working with
FAS students
• Biological Psychology can be useful
• Students will make choices
• Informed students make better choices
Off to a Great Start…
Ashley M Lorenz