“The most outstanding characteristics of FASD are bad judgment & the inability to make the connection between an act & its consequences”

 Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that includes a spectrum of disorders associated with fetal alcohol exposure and is based on specific symptoms: 

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) which includes prenatal alcohol exposure, facial features, growth anomalies, CNS anomalies, and neurobehavioral impairment.

• Partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS)  requires confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure, facial features, and neurobehavioral impairment - or- if no confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure, facial features, neurobehavioral impairment and growth anomalies OR CNS anomalies.

• Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) requires confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure and neurobehavioral impairment.

• Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD) requires confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure and at least one major malformation/defect of the cardiac, renal, eye, ear or skeletal system.  

Early diagnosis and interventions significantly improve the long-term outcomes for families & children with FASDs.  

There is no cure for FASD, but there are protective factors that reduce the secondary characteristics and tertiary effects of FASD and improve overall functioning and adaptability to help reach full potential. ( (Streissguth et al 2004; O'Connor et all 2006). 

Protective factors include :  

• Early Diagnosis 
•  Access to Appropriate Social Services & Special Education 
• Nurturing & Stable Home environment 
• Absence of Violence
• Parent Resilience and skills to meet child's development needs
• Social Connections
• Concrete Supports
• Social & Emotional Competence

Learn more about ways to support an individual living with FASD  with our resource list.

Understanding one size does not fit all, parents, caregivers, and educators must learn about the specific ways an individual’s brain is impacted by FASD in order to provide the best support and approaches for the individual’s well-being.     Learn more about FASD with recorded webinars from The FASD Collaborative. 

All major medical associations advise there is 

No Safe AMOUNT,  TYPE, or TIME to drink Alcohol during Pregnancy

According to the Guttmacher Institute, over  50% of pregnancies in Illinois are unplanned. Drinking alcohol before realizing you are pregnant is common. The safest decision is to abstain from alcohol for the remainder of your pregnancy. If possible, get regular prenatal care and talk to your healthcare provider about any alcohol use during your pregnancy to discuss any concerns.  

AVOIDING ALCOHOL IS NOT EASY FOR EVERYONE.  If you need support with alcohol during your pregnancy, learn about treatment options here.