Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Drinking during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) when the fetus and developing baby are exposed to alcohol. This condition can occur from any amount of alcohol consumed while pregnant. Moreover, understanding FASD, its effects on children, and how it can be prevented and treated can help women who are considering getting pregnant, might be pregnant, or are currently pregnant.  

What Is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?

FASD is an umbrella term given to several different types of disorders that occur when a woman drinks during pregnancy. They include cognitive, behavioral, and physical abnormalities from the unborn baby being exposed to alcohol. In fact, it is estimated that one out of every 20 school-aged children has FASDs, according to the CDC.

FASDs are lifelong conditions that affect children into adulthood and are incurable. However, with the proper treatment, they can be managed so that the individual with an FASD can lead an active and productive life. 

Types of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders?

The types of FASDs include:

• FAS (fetal alcohol syndrome): FAS is the most severe of all of the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. FAS affects facial feature development, growth development, and cognitive development. Children with this condition can have communication, learning, memory, hearing, and vision problems. Moreover, they can also have difficulties concentrating and focusing, short attention spans, and relationship difficulties.
• PFAS (partial fetal alcohol disorder): PFAS is when a child exhibits some of the symptoms of FAS but does not have full FAS. 
• ARND (alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder): ARND causes issues with learning and behavior. Children with ARN often have intellectual and learning disabilities. Moreover, they can also have poor impulse control and make snap judgments regardless of the consequences. 
• ARBD (alcohol-related birth defects): ARBD affects physical development during pregnancy, which can result in hearing, kidney, heart, or bone defects, or a combination thereof. 
• ND-PAE (neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure): Children with ND-PAE can have difficulties with memory or thinking, difficulties managing day-to-day activities and self-care, and behavioral problems. 

Signs and Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

The signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders will vary based on the specific type the child has, which could include:

• Short height
• Abnormal facial features
• Hearing or vision problems
• Hyperactivity
• Difficulties with reasoning and judgement
• Memory problems
• Developmental delays
• Short attention spans
• Difficulties concentrating and focusing
• Smaller than normal head size
• Low body weight as an infant
• Delayed speech development
• Difficulties forming relationships and getting along with others
• Poor performance at school
• Problems know what is real and what is a fantasy
• Difficulties with emotional regulation
• Being impulsive and engaging in risk-taking behaviors
• Development of anxiety and depression
• Difficulties performing daily activities and self-care needs
• Increased risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD)

What Causes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and How Are They Prevented?

The cause of FASD is consuming any amount of alcohol during pregnancy. In particular, women who bring drink, drink heavily, or have alcohol use disorder and are pregnant will most likely give birth to babies with more severe FASDs, like fetal alcohol syndrome. 

Alcohol exposure during pregnancy is one of the most preventable causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and congenital disabilities associated with FASDs. Simply, abstaining from any alcohol use while pregnant and not exposing the fetus to alcohol will prevent FASDs

Diagnosis of FASD

Diagnosing FASD can be challenging because its symptoms often resemble those of other cognitive, developmental, mental health, and learning disorders, such as ADHD, aggression, anger management difficulties, bipolar disorder, depression, and anxiety. Moreover, Clinicians diagnose FASD by conducting a comprehensive examination that includes:

• Asking about the mother’s alcohol use during pregnancy
• The presence of facial features associated with FASD
• Notable growth issues, such as shortened height or a small head
• The presence of neurobehavioral disabilities, such as learning difficulties or emotional regulation problems
• The presence of cognitive developmental issues
• Having symptoms of anxiety or depression
• Difficulties performing self-care and daily activities 
• Relationship issues

Treatments for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Various treatments can help individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders learn to manage their condition effectively. Moreover, treatment involves focusing on the individual’s strengths, not weaknesses, and learning how to use those strengths to manage their lives better. In addition, they also include developing effective coping skills and mechanisms, such as meditation or breathing exercises, when dealing with situations that create added stress and anxiety. 

Treatments are personalized to the individual, their specific type of FASD, and symptoms to develop a comprehensive care plan, which could include:

• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Parental training
• Life skills training
• Vocational training
• Hoslitic therapies
• Nutritional and exercise counseling

Contact Phoenix Rising Recovery Center in Palm Springs, CA, to Learn How You Can Prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

If you or someone you care about is at risk of having a child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, help is available at Phoenix Rising Recovery Center in Southern California. In fact, we offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your specific needs to help you learn how to manage your alcohol use and lead an active and productive life without relying on alcohol or drugs. Therefore, Contact us today for further information about our programs or to start the admissions process. 

Published: 6/24/2025