Basic Elements Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Treatment
Mothers who drink alcohol while pregnant put their unborn children in danger of developing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The worse of these, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), usually presents a combination of learning, behavioral, and physical problems. While fetal alcohol syndrome treatment will not cure the disorder, early intervention, special education, and a strong home environment will improve an FAS child’s quality of life.
FAS children experience a range of abnormalities. Facial, skeletal, and organ deformities (typically of the heart, reproductive organs, and kidneys), may cause many health concerns for FAS children. FAS children may also experience delays in growth, falling behind peers in the categories of weight and height. Additionally, central nervous system disorders, including attention deficit disorder, learning disabilities, and mental retardation, may complicate life for the FAS child.
Early diagnosis is crucial to the best treatment outcome. When FAS is first suspected, a pediatrician may put the child through a series of genetic tests, to rule out other disorders with similar signs and symptoms. If genetic tests are negative, doctors may then make the FAS diagnosis, and may direct the child into medical interventions, as well as special education and social services.
Special education and social services address a wide range of needs. Special education allows for individualized education plans, geared toward a child’s specific needs and learning style. When families also receive social services, like stress management training, children who have FAS tend to have better outcomes.
FAS children need nurturing and stable caretakers. FAS children are especially vulnerable to disruptions, transient lifestyles, and harmful relationships. While stable home environments are important for every child, the added support of community and family is essential to the progress of a child who has FAS.
Children who have FAS need a lifestyle in which violence is absent. Children with FAS must be taught to deal with anger and frustration in healthy, productive ways, and must be steered away from violent behaviors. A stable, non-abusive home, in addition to the avoidance of youth violence, will prevent the development of long-term effects.
There is no safe time to drink alcoholic beverages when pregnant, and no safe amount to drink while pregnant. Delivering, or adopting, a child with FAS will present a lifetime of challenges and rewards for the entire family. FAS has no cure, but fetal alcohol syndrome treatment helps to address the specific disorders and behaviors that each child presents.
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