Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and its physical and psychological characteristics.
If we ask this question to AFASAF, an association of families affected by FAS based in Barcelona, they would tell us that the spectrum of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is included within the so-called prenatal influence syndromes. Unlike genetic syndromes, FAS occurs during embryonic gestation and is not caused by a genetic coding error. Its cause is the mother’s intake and alcohol abuse (ethanol) during the period of fetal development before birth.
The general physical and psychological characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:
- Height and weight deficit
- Microcephaly (head small for age)
- Developmental problems
- Organic problems
- Facial abnormality
- Poor locomotor coordination
- Presence of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- Atypical behaviors: screaming, flapping
- Conflicting socialization
- Lack of imagination or curiosity
- Learning difficulties
- Intellectual disability of varying degrees
This month we were able to read a good report published in InDependientes magazine, specialized in addictions, about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and its consequences for affected children, many of whom live with adoptive families due to the dysfunctionality of their biological environments and come from Eastern European countries.
These cases led the Catalan government to consider prohibiting adoptions from Ukraine and Russia in Catalonia; however, a spokesperson for affected parents argues that “the risk of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome should be reported, but adoptions should not be prohibited”.
The article emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis to identify and address the child’s needs as soon as possible. Diagnosis is based on the study of three factors: maternal medical history, physical traits, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
