Skip to main content

PEDIATRIC SERVICES

Diagnosis & Treatment

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Find a specialist

How is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Diagnosed?

Diagnosis

When diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), doctors will usually ask the mother about any alcohol use prior to or during the pregnancy, especially before the pregnancy was known. Try to be honest and open with your doctor regarding these questions. If your doctor is aware of any possible alcohol exposure during your pregnancy, the baby will be closely watched during and after pregnancy.

Doctors can find severe problems before the baby is born by using ultrasound to identify heart defects or growth problems. Doctors and pediatricians can be made aware of any issues the baby may exhibit at birth, and can best support the child’s growth and development after birth.

In some children, an FASD diagnosis can be made at birth. But the most recognized physical abnormalities usually appear between eight months old and eight years old. These include a smooth philtrum (the space between the upper lip and the nose), a thin upper lip, smaller-than-average head size, small eyes, and lower-than-normal height and weight.

How is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Treated?

Treatment

Treatment for FASD differs according to the severity of the condition and the symptoms experienced by each child. One thing is certain: A child affected with FASD should be afforded lifelong treatment and support to manage the social, cognitive, and physiological issues associated with this disorder.

Treatments for FASD include:

Early intervention programs
  • Developmental services to help with walking, talking, and social skills
  • Parental training or counseling to help parents and family deal with the child's behavioral problems
  • Referral for community support services
Medication
  • Medications to help with some symptoms such as anxiety and hyperactivity
  • Medical care for health, vision, and heart problems
Special therapy and educational services
  • An individualized educational plan (IEP) that includes a special education teacher, a speech therapist, physical and occupational therapists, and a psychologist
  • A neuropsychological evaluation to determine the child’s strengths from which to develop an effective IEP
  • Special services in school to deal with learning and behavioral problems
Vocational and life training
  • There are governmental programs, including BOCES programs, available throughout New York to help people with disabilities learn a skill or trade

FAQs

FAQs

Recent studies have estimated that one to five percent of first-grade children in the United States are affected with FASD.

Any amount of alcohol can cause an effect on a baby's developing body. Women who drink over three drinks within a two-hour period are at a greater risk for bearing a child affected with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. No amount or type of alcohol is safe to drink at any time during pregnancy.

A range of symptoms in individuals with FASD can include distinct facial features, smaller-than-average heads, small eyes, an exceptionally thin upper lip, and smooth skin between the nose and upper lip. Symptoms can also include joint, limb, and finger deformities, low weight, and shorter-than-average height. Vision and hearing problems are common for children affected with FASD.

Get Care

Trust NewYork-Presbyterian for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Treatment

If you think your child or unborn baby was exposed to alcohol during pregnancy, contact NewYork-Presbyterian for help. Know the symptoms and signs of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

NewYork-Presbyterian can put you in touch with people who are experienced in diagnosing and treating fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Early intervention can help a child achieve their potential. Children enrolled in treatment programs and individualized education programs show better outcomes and can live productive lives.

Recognizing an alcohol problem during pregnancy can be an important first step. Call to make an appointment for consultation with a gynecologist, obstetrician, pediatrician, or substance abuse counselor.