Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has been known as a significant concern during pregnancy. Children who are affected by this will grow up with challenges. In fact, it is important to know the lifelong impact that they can have as they transition into adulthood. Adults living with this syndrome continue to face unique signs and symptoms that can affect their lives. Understanding these signs and symptoms can increase awareness, support, and appropriate interventions for those who are affected.
About Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in adults, which is also known as FASD in short, refers to a disorder that is caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It can cause facial, physical, and cognitive abnormalities. Drinking alcohol can harm your baby at any stage during pregnancy, including the earliest stages before you find out that you are expecting a baby.
Signs and Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Adults
There are a number of signs and symptoms of Fetal alcohol Syndrome in adults. They are divided into:
Physical:
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- Small head
- Small eye openings
- Epicanthal folds
- Low nasal bridge
- Short nose
- Flat midface
- Smooth philtrum
- Thin upper lip
- Small head and brain size
- Shorter and smaller than average height and weight
- Low body weight
- Poor coordination
- Vision or hearing issues
- Issues with the heart, kidneys or bones
It is worth noting that not all people who are suffering from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome have these features. Similarly, if someone has these features, it does not mean that the individual has this disease. Physical appearance is not enough to tell if someone has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or not. In this case, a thorough evaluation by a qualified medical professional is needed.
Mental health:
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- Hyperactive
- Having a hard time with attention and memory
- Hard to focus on something
- Difficult to learn
- Difficult to talk properly
- Having intellectual disability or low IQ
- Poor judgment skills
- Anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorders
If one has mental issues mentioned above, it does not mean they have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Some who are suffering do not have these and the normal ones have these.
Behavior:
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- Poor social skills
- Difficult to control themselves
- Difficult to remember something
- Poor problem solving and decision making skills
- Aggressive
- Bad sexual behavior
- Mood swings
- Impulsive
- Having a hard time in following rules
As stated before, the signs and symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in adults may vary from one individual to others. Just like physical and mental health signs and symptoms, those who show these behavior issues mentioned above do not always have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Remember that the signs and symptoms shown by adults who were born with this disease vary depending on how much alcohol was consumed by their mothers during pregnancy.
Bottom Line
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or FASD is not the kind of disorder that is limited to childhood. In fact, it continues to affect these children when they grow up into adulthood. The signs and symptoms of this disorder in adults include a range of physical, cognitive, neurological, and behavioral impairments. The awareness should be increased. Besides, you should also understand this disorder in adults in order to give appropriate support and help those who are suffering from this. If you or someone that you know shows signs or symptoms of FASD in adults, do not wait and look for medical attention right away. However, it should be noted that while it is true that some of these symptoms can be treated, the disorder is permanent.
A bookworm and researcher especially related to law and citizenship education. I spend time every day in front of the internet and the campus library.
