2008 Woodie Awards
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome increasing problem
Issue date: 11/7/02 Section: News Digest
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), is "the leading preventable cause of mental retardation in the United States" according to the National Organization of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS).
The NOFAS rates the effect of FAS as one in every 100 births. Alcohol exposure can cause damage to the frontal lobes of the brain, where it maintains control of the impulses and inhibitors. When this happens, a person with FAS will: find it difficult to control behavior or express feelings; usually lack impulse control; and often use poor judgment.
These behaviors are caused by brain damage. A person with FAS is at high risk for behavior problems, suspension or expulsion from school, trouble with the law and other social experiences.
Prenatal alcohol exposure does not always result in FAS—although there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Most individuals affected by alcohol exposure before birth do not have the characteristic facial abnormalities and growth retardation identified with FAS, yet they have brain damage and other impairments that are just as significant.
The NOFAS rates the effect of FAS as one in every 100 births. Alcohol exposure can cause damage to the frontal lobes of the brain, where it maintains control of the impulses and inhibitors. When this happens, a person with FAS will: find it difficult to control behavior or express feelings; usually lack impulse control; and often use poor judgment.
These behaviors are caused by brain damage. A person with FAS is at high risk for behavior problems, suspension or expulsion from school, trouble with the law and other social experiences.
Prenatal alcohol exposure does not always result in FAS—although there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Most individuals affected by alcohol exposure before birth do not have the characteristic facial abnormalities and growth retardation identified with FAS, yet they have brain damage and other impairments that are just as significant.