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Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

What is FAS?
FAS (Fetal Alcohol syndrome) refers to a group of physical, behavioral and cognitive abnormalities that can occur to unborn babies when pregnant women drink alcohol and pass the alcohol along to their unborn babies through the blood stream. FAS is identified by abnormal facial features, central nervous system problems and a slowness of growth. FAS can cause physical and mental disabilities of varying severity (including intellectual disability). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is also caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. Children with FASD do not have full FAS, but may demonstrate learning and behavioral problems.

The prevalence of FAS is not known. Most studies indicate that 1-100 live births result in FASD. The statistics rely heavily on self-reporting which may likely be low.

Currently, The Arc Muskegon is a member of the State of Michigan Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Task Force.

 
Get the Facts


The good news is FAS is not hereditary and only occurs if a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. In other words, FAS and FASD are 100% preventable (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Download PDF Documents

“Public education can be considered the cornerstone
of all FAS prevention efforts.”
From Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:
A Guide for Families and Communities by Ann Streissguth.

 
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