Home About Double ARC Education Initiatives FASD Workshops & Events How Can I Help?

   FASD FACTS

What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank during pregnancy. These include:

  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

  • Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE)

  • Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)

  • Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopment Disorders (ARND) 

 

             .  Regional Parent FASD Network meetings / Ohio's FASD Initiative  
What causes FASD?

There is a single cause of FASD - alcohol consumption by the individual's mother during pregnancy. The mother does not have to be an alcoholic. Studies show that even light drinking has had an effect on learning and growth. Studies show that FASD is an equal opportunity disorder, meaning that it affects the children of people from all races, walks of life, all socioeconomic statuses, all ages, and education levels.

Can FASD be prevented?
Yes! FASD is 100% preventable! If women did not drink during pregnancy there would be no children born with this disorder. The United States Surgeon General and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with other federal agencies recommend no alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

What are the characteristics of FASD?
Individuals with FASD face difficulty in navigating the world around them. They display characteristic behaviors that repeatedly get them into trouble. These may include:

  • Attention deficits, Impulsivity, Hyperactivity
  • Poor sleeping patterns
  • Poor social skills
  • Inconsistent performance (on and off days)
  • Poor judgment
  • Easily influenced by peers
  • Explosive response to changes
  • Ability to repeat rules but not practice them
  • A general cluelessness

Due to their strengths, people often don't discover their deficits and set expectations they cannot meet. Strengths may include:

  • Outgoing, Friendly, Talkative
  • Bright in some areas: artistic, musical, or athletic
  • Willing, Helpful
  • Generous

Characteristics continued . . .

Many individuals with FASD are smaller than their peers; some have distinctive facial characteristics. However, brain damage can be extensive even if the facial features are minimal or not present.

 

How prevalent is FASD?
Studies show 1 in 100 individuals have FASD. The vast majority of them have not been diagnosed.

 
Double ARC FAS Diagnostic
Clinic Team

The multi-disciplinary clinic team includes: pediatricians, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, an occupational therapist, education specialists, and clinic manager. These 11 professionals from 8 organizations come together one day per month to assess, diagnose, and develop a service plan for two children. Sterling Clarren, M.D. trained the team in 1998 at his clinic in Seattle.

The information provided by the clinic assessment guides the development of appropriate supports and interventions for the child in the home, school, social service, medical, and judicial settings.

Case management services following the clinic visit provide assistance in completing the service plan and advocacy for the child in the educational, medical, social, or judicial setting.

For more information contact Sr. Mary Sartor at 419-479-3060 ext. 1 or msartor@toledosnd.org.

 


Double ARC • 3837 Secor Road • Toledo, Ohio 43623 • 419-479-3060