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What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day?
FASD Awareness Day is dedicated to increasing awareness in every community
about FASD. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the identification
of alcohol-related birth defects in the medical community. FASD Awareness
Day is sponsored by FASworld, an international alliance of concerned parents,
professionals, and caregivers working together to educate the public.
The date, 9/9, was chosen to remind the world of the dangers of alcohol
consumption on the growing fetus during the 9 months of pregnancy.
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What is FASD?
FASD is used to describe the range of lifelong physical and mental
effects from which a baby can suffer because of prenatal alcohol use.
FASD covers other terms, the most common of which is fetal alcohol syndrome
(FAS). As one of the known leading causes of mental retardation and birth
defects, FAS is characterized by abnormal facial features, growth deficiencies,
and problems with the central nervous system. People with FAS also may
have problems with learning, memory, attention span, problem solving,
speech, and hearing. These problems often lead to difficulties in school
and in getting along with others.
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Can FAS be treated?
While FAS can be treated, so far, no cure has been found. However, since its only known cause is alcohol use during pregnancy, an expectant mother can prevent this irreversible condition. Fortunately, with early detection, diagnosis, and an appropriate referral, a child with FAS can receive mental health services provided at the State and local level to help maximize his or her potential. For more information, contact the National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities at (800) 695-0285, or visit the web site at www.nichcy.org.
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