Families & Individuals
What is FASD?
FASD stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. The "umbrella" of FASD can include diagnosis such as:
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
- Alcohol Related Neuro-developmental Disorders (ARND)
- Alcohol Related Birth Defects (ARBD)
- Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS)
FASD is not a medical diagnosis but it refers to a variety of conditions that can occur in children born to mothers that drank alcohol while pregnant. FASD is a lifetime disability that affects each child differently. FASD can include physical, mental and behavioral defects. Some children with FASD have specific facial features and tend to be smaller in height and weight. They often have brain injury that never goes away. This means both the child’s thought process and his behavior may be very different than a child who was not exposed to alcohol before birth. The brain damage is the most challenging part of this disability.
How is FASD Diagnosed?
FASD is diagnosed after completion of a medical examination and psychological, occupational therapy and speech/language evaluations.
The medical exam includes:
- Evaluation of the prenatal and birth history and previous medical history
- General physical examination
- Evaluation of early and current growth patterns
- Measurement of facial features
- Psychological evaluation including developmental tests to determine abilities and deficits.
- Occupational therapy evaluation to determine motor functions and adaptive abilities.
- Speech and language evaluation to determine abilities to understand and communicate.
Preparing for an FASD Diagnosis Appointment
The more prepared you can be before the FASD diagnostic appointment, the more helpful it will be to the physician in determining an accurate diagnosis. We’ve prepared a helpful FAS checklist of what information to bring.
FASD Support Resources
You can see who does diagnosis in your area of Minnesota in our FASD Resource Directory. The places providing services generally take a variety of payment options.