FASD Information Sheets:

1) FASD Definitions and Statistics  (pdf file)

2)  Understanding FASD Dysmaturity  (pdf file)

3) Professional Explanation of an FASD Evaluation   (pdf file)

FASD: The Basics

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. Diagnostic terminology include: FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome), Partial FAS (partial fetal alcohol syndrome), FAE (fetal alcohol effects), ARND (alcohol related neurodevelopment disorder), and ARBD (alcohol related birth defects). There is currently no consensus in the United States on the terms for diagnostic descriptions of the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure other than FAS. The Center for Disease Control, CDC, has convened a working group of experts in the field to work toward agreed-on terminology.
• Alcohol is a teratogen. A teratogen is a substance that might interfere with the normal development of a fetus. There are many teratogens in the world, including substances of abuse, lead, certain medications, and toxins. However, of all the substances of abuse that women might use during pregnancy, alcohol has the most serious, long lasting effects AND it is also the most common teratogen used by women during pregnancy.
• Any alcohol consumed by a pregnant woman can be harmful to the fetus; regardless of the form it takes (beer, wine, liquor, etc.) The only definitely safe amount of alcohol to use during pregnancy is NONE.
• Prenatal alcohol exposure causes brain damage. Alcohol affects multiple systems and especially targets the brain, which develops throughout pregnancy. Alcohol can cause damage to the developing brain in a number of ways, including early cell death and faulty migration of cells within the brain.
• The effects of FASD last a lifetime. People with an FASD can grow, improve, and function well in life with proper support. Many will need the support of others to function optimally. However, everyone with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder will not need the same amount of support in the same way. This is not a hopeless problem. With proper recognition and treatment (diagnosis and intervention planning), people with an FASD can have productive and satisfying lives.
  
  
  Further information and a complete presentation of FASD: The Basics is available through FASD Center’s Information Resource Center, website: www.fascenter.samhsa.gov .