Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: About, causes and co-occurring conditions
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About
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder describes the impacts on the brain and body of someone exposed to alcohol in the womb. It's a lifelong disability, but is preventable with the right services and supports.
People with the disorder may need support with:
- learning
- memory
- attention
- social skills
- motor skills
- physical health
- communication
- emotional regulation
Everyone with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.
The number of people with the disorder is unknown. This is because it's difficult to diagnose and often goes undetected. Recent studies from Canada estimate that between 0.1% and 3% of children and youth have been diagnosed with the disorder.
Causes
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is caused by exposure to alcohol in the womb. It is not hereditary.
Alcohol harms cell development. If the birthing parent consumes alcohol during pregnancy, it passes into the developing fetus. This can cause harm to the developing fetus's brain and body.
The impact of alcohol on a developing fetus depends on:
- how often the birthing parent has alcohol
- how much alcohol the birthing parent consumes
- when during the pregnancy the birthing parent has alcohol
Other factors can affect fetus development, such as:
- stress
- the birthing parent's age
- smoking or other drug use
- the birthing parent's nutrition
Co-occurring health conditions
More than 400 other health conditions are related to or commonly occur together with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. They can affect almost all systems in the body. The most common co-occurring health conditions can impact:
- behaviour
- communication
- attention and hyperactivity
- physical and mental development
Early and appropriate support can improve outcomes for people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. People who don't receive support are more likely to face difficulties such as:
- substance use
- unemployment
- housing problems
- trouble with the law
- mental health issues
- disrupted school experiences
- challenges with independence
- sexually inappropriate behaviours
Accurate diagnosis is important for effective treatment. The signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder are often mistaken for other conditions.
Related links
- Guide to healthy pregnancy
- Canada FASD Research Network
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- FASD prevalence among children and youth: results from the 2019 Canadian Health Survey on Children and Youth
- Population-based prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Canada
- Teacher-Reported Prevalence of FASD in Kindergarten in Canada: Association with Child Development and Problems at Home