Kentville, Nova Scotia
B4N 3W4
Phone: (902) 678-0281
Email: fasfae_ns@hotmail.com
Prenatal alcohol exposure does not always result in FAS-although there is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Most individuals affected by alcohol exposure before birth do not have the characteristic facial abnormalities and growth retardation identified with FAS, yet they have brain and other impairments that are just as significant. Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND) describes the functional or mental impairments linked to prenatal alcohol exposure, and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD) describes malformations in the skeletal and major organ systems.
What are the Primary Characteristics of FAS, ARND and ARBD?
How often do FAS, ARND and ARBD Occur?
How can Alcohol-Related Effects be Prevented?
Individuals with FAS have a distinct pattern of facial abnormalities, growth deficiency and evidence of central nervous system dysfunction. In addition to mental retardation, individuals with FAS, ARND and ARBD may have other neurological deficits such as poor motor skills and hand-eye coordination. They may also have a complex pattern of behavioral and learning problems, including difficulties with memory, attention and judgment.
As many as 12,000 infants are born each year with FAS and three times as many have ARND or ARBD. FAS, ARND and ARBD affect more newborns every year than Down syndrome, cystic fibrosis, spina bifida and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome combined.
FAS, ARND and ARBD are 100% preventable when a woman completely abstains from alcohol during her pregnancy. NOFAS prevents alcohol-related effects through public awareness and education, and by increasing access to prenatal health care. Another key to prevention is to screen all women of reproductive age for alcohol problems and to use appropriate strategies, such as treatment for alcohol problems, to eliminate drinking before conception.
