Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - Dissertation Example

e Involved In Raising Awareness?- PLS ADD 500 WORDS 5.1- Implications to Social Work Practice- PLS ADD 500 WORDS 6 6.0 - Conclusion and Recommendations- PLS ADD 250 WORDS ABOUT WHAT YOU WRITE IN CHAPTERS 4 AND 5 Chapter (1) 1.0 Introduction The topic I am researching for my dissertation project is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), an umbrella title for a number of Alcohol related disorders, which are caused through women drinking alcohol during pregnancy. My interest came about whilst working within a primary school setting for my second year placement.

The school was home to children with special needs and I observed a high rate of children with both physical and learning disabilities namely Autism and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. After witnessing the massive effect that these disabilities and disorders have on those diagnosed, as well as the impact on their families, family networks and also the wider community, I became increasingly curious about the cause of these disabilities and whether there was anything more that Social Care Services, as well as Health, Midwifery and Education services, could be doing to prevent further occurrences and support those and their families who are in need.

The purpose of my research is to highlight the devastating impact that alcohol has on unborn babies and the echo of continued life changing effects it has on children throughout their adolescent and later into their adult lives.  Through completion of this dissertation project, I hope to raise further awareness on the significance for prevention of FASD, and to encourage agencies such as Social Services, Health, Midwifery Services and Education Services, to participate in training to gain awareness of this life changing.

According to the research Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) was first characterised in medical literature back in the late 1960’s by a French scientist named Dr Paul LeMoine, however it was not until 1973 when awareness was heightened and (FAS) was more widely recognised after Kenneth.L. and Jones David.W. Smith wrote a research paper, which was published by Washington University Press, highlighting specific criteria and characteristics for diagnosis. Originally FAS was the title of this disorder caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

It then became apparent to researchers that aside from FAS there were notable effects to the fetus caused by alcohol, these were known as Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE). Researchers found that there were other characteristics of the disorder, including Partial FAS (pFAS), which represents those with some but not all of the facial features of FAS; and Alcohol Related Birth Defects (ARBD) which are defects to the heart, kidneys, eyes and ears. These defects can be present without the facial characteristics of those who suffer from FAS; and also Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND); this is when the fetus is exposed to alcohol during pregnancy, causing defects to the brain of the developing fetus and therefore resulting in behavioural problems and learning difficulties.

Due to the variation of symptoms and diagnosis, it was decided in 1996 by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences (IOM), that the disorder should be labelled Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) this title encompasses the full range of diagnosis within the disorder.