fetal alcohol syndrome x

Treatment

Treatment for children GPs can refer children with FAS and FASD to community paediatricians who are likely to investigate problems further with:

psychologists,

psychiatrists,

speech and language therapists

specialists for organ defects.






Research shows that people who have FAS or FASD go on to experience “secondary disabilities” – those not present at birth – which could be prevented with appropriate support.

So, one study found that of 414 people with FASD, 94% had mental health problems and nearly half (42%) ended up in the criminal justice system.


Secondary Disabilities

Loneliness

School Expulsions

Addictions

Chronic Unemployment

Promiscuity

Unplanned Pregnancies

Poverty

Criminality

Prison

Homelessness

Depression and Suicide





Advice for mums-to-be


We don’t know how much alcohol is safe to drink in pregnancy. It depends on various factors such as how fast a mum-to-be absorbs alcohol, her physical health, diet and what medication she is on. It’s why the government advises pregnant women and those trying to conceive to avoid alcohol altogether.If you didn’t know you were pregnant and you have been drinking above the government’s daily unit guidelines, don’t panic. Talk to your GP or midwife about any concerns you may have. Just because you may have drunk does not mean you have necessarily done damage.





Alcohol and conception


If you are trying to conceive, you should aim to reduce your alcohol consumption to a minimum, and ideally stop drinking altogether. If you are a regular drinker, try cutting down on alcohol gradually. Start off by reducing your drinking each day, and then try having a few alcohol free days a week before aiming to have only an occasional drink or preferably stop drinking altogether. Ask your partner to help you by cutting down drinking as well. If you are trying to conceive this is vital, as drinking impairs sperm count and heavy drinking can cause temporary impotence.


More information

The FASD Trust – www.fasdtrust.co.uk. The FASD Trust operates a helpline for parents and carers of children with FASD. Call 01608 811 599.


National Organisation on Foetal Alcohol Syndrome UK – www.nofas-uk.org. Or call their helpline on 08700 333 700.