What is FASD?
FASD stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were prenatally exposed to alcohol. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and need unique supports to help them succeed throughout different areas of their lives.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is an umbrella term. This is not a clinical diagnosis. Under the umbrella of FASD:
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): Individuals with FAS can exhibit growth deficiencies, distinct facial features, and central nervous system problems, leading to challenges in learning, memory, attention, communication, and sensory processing (like vision and hearing). They often face difficulties in educational settings and social interactions.
Partial FAS (pFAS): Individuals with pFAS exhibit some of the signs and symptoms of FAS but do not meet the full criteria. They might display similar facial characteristics, growth deficiencies but may not have the CNS abnormalities to the same degree.
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD): Individuals with ARBD typically have physical defects affecting the heart, kidneys, bones, or auditory system.
The FASD Project
Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND): People with ARND may experience intellectual disabilities and behavioral and learning challenges. They often struggle academically, particularly with math, memory, attention, judgment, and impulse control.
Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE): Recognized in the DSM-5 in 2013, ND-PAE involves difficulties in thinking, memory, behavior, and daily living skills. Symptoms include trouble with planning, memory retention, severe tantrums, mood swings, and challenges in adapting to day-to-day tasks.
The FASD project is a documentary film raising awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy — featuring scientists, clinicians, and families living with FASD.