Some of the birth defects associated with FAS
• Distinctive facial features, including small eyes, an exceptionally thin upper lip, a short, upturned nose and a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip
• Heart defects
• Deformities of joints, limbs and fingers
• Slow physical growth before and after birth
• Vision difficulties or hearing problems
• Small head circumference and brain size (microcephaly)
• Poor coordination
• Sleep problems
• Mental retardation and delayed development
• Learning disorders
• Abnormal behavior, such as a short attention span, hyperactivity, poor impulse control, extreme nervousness and anxiety
• Heart defects
• Deformities of joints, limbs and fingers
• Slow physical growth before and after birth
• Vision difficulties or hearing problems
• Small head circumference and brain size (microcephaly)
• Poor coordination
• Sleep problems
• Mental retardation and delayed development
• Learning disorders
• Abnormal behavior, such as a short attention span, hyperactivity, poor impulse control, extreme nervousness and anxiety
Impacts of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Alcohol is considered a teratogen agent, such as viruses and drugs, that can damage an embryo or fetus during prenatal development (Myers, 2013, page 170). The defects that are part of fetal alcohol syndrome are irreversible and can include serious physical, mental and behavioral problems. Often, kids with fetal alcohol syndrome, can appear as mere belligerence or stubborn. They may score well on intelligence tests, but their behavioral deficits often interfere with their ability to succeed.
Impact FAS has on Teachers:
Behaviors which result from the effects of the fetal alcohol syndrome can be challenging and often try the patience of the most dedicated and experienced educators. The response of children with this syndrome to corrective methods can be frustrating since these students are often inconsistent. Focused observation of the student is important in order to gain an understanding of how the child experiences stress, relieves tension, copes with obstacles and reacts to change.
Impact FAS has on Parents:
The difficult task of caring for any newborn (ex. adjusting sleep routines, feeding, etc.) is multiplied when caring for an infant with FAS. Affected babies tend to have a very hard time during their first few months. They can be difficult to care for because of their various developmental problems. Caring for any infant is tiring, but looking after a baby with FAS can be particularly exhausting. Caring for these children continues well into adulthood and there can be varying degrees of stress and strain that can be experienced by the parents. This is why extensive education and training for the parents and teachers who care for these kids is essential.
Impact FAS has on Teachers:
Behaviors which result from the effects of the fetal alcohol syndrome can be challenging and often try the patience of the most dedicated and experienced educators. The response of children with this syndrome to corrective methods can be frustrating since these students are often inconsistent. Focused observation of the student is important in order to gain an understanding of how the child experiences stress, relieves tension, copes with obstacles and reacts to change.
Impact FAS has on Parents:
The difficult task of caring for any newborn (ex. adjusting sleep routines, feeding, etc.) is multiplied when caring for an infant with FAS. Affected babies tend to have a very hard time during their first few months. They can be difficult to care for because of their various developmental problems. Caring for any infant is tiring, but looking after a baby with FAS can be particularly exhausting. Caring for these children continues well into adulthood and there can be varying degrees of stress and strain that can be experienced by the parents. This is why extensive education and training for the parents and teachers who care for these kids is essential.