What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is the name given to a group of related conditions arising from the teratogenic effects of alcohol exposure in utero. Currently these conditions are categorized into one of three groups:
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
- Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS)
- Alcohol Related Neurodevelopment Disorders (ARND)
The term Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) is no longer used.
Alcohol caused congenital defects subsequent to the timing, dose, length of prenatal alcohol exposure, and the interplay of the alcohol metabolism mechanism of both the mother and the fetus. Early heavy exposure produces the most apparent defects, especially the midline development. Congenital defects of brain, eye and optic nerve, ears, face, heart, kidneys, fingers and palmar creases have all been documented. Fetal growth can be impaired. Exposure in the second and third trimesters mainly affects the brain and neurological functioning.
How is FASD Diagnosed?
There are a handful of methods to diagnose FASD:
- 4 – digit code (Universty of Washington)
- CDC (Center for Disease Control) method
- Modified Institute of Medicine method
- Combination method (MN approach)
Each method obtains information about four health parameters:
- Growth
- Facial features
- Brain development and functioning
- Exposure to alcohol in utero
The data obtained regarding these four parameters are ranked by degree of expression in the individuals being examined. That ranking is them compared to the defined criteria for FASD, and a diagnosis is given based on the evidence.
All of the methods of FASD diagnosis assess these same four health parameters. The difference in the methods is how they define the criteria for each of the three diagnostic categories, FAS, pFAS, and ARND. This can result in different diagnoses from one method to the next, although the medical evidence is the same. One method also subdivides the three categories into many smaller categories, giving a more specific description of the individual’s diagnosis.
As more research is done about FASD, diagnosis is becoming more standard. The CDC and FASD experts continue to work on honing one diagnostic model.
Where to Get Diagnosed
NEW – The Resource Directory is a searchable database of FASD-friendly professionals and programs such as diagnostic clinics, therapists and support groups. You can find resources based on type and location. This tool uses Google Maps to help narrow your search and make it easier to find service providers close to home. Check out the video introduction here to learn more about how to use this tool.
Click here to enter the Resource Directory.
