Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder - Essay Example

Executive functioning and FASD Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) is a generic term that refers to the range of effects that can occur to an individual whose mother drank alcohol during her pregnancy moments. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral and/or learning disabilities with possible life long ramifications. It is note-worthy that the term FASD is not a clinical diagnosis thus an individual would not receive a clinical diagnosis. FASD are 100% preventable if a woman does not drink alcohol during pregnancy. Each year many children are born with FASD therefore costing the nation a lot of money in treatment (Warren, 2004). What Other Diagnoses Fall Under the Umbrella of FASD Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) This is a birth defect syndrome caused by maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy. FAS are characterized by: Prenatal alcohol exposure Central nervous system damage which includes structural, neurological, and/or functional impairment. Unique cluster of minor facial anomalies which may include small eyes, smooth philtrum, and thin upper lips. Growth deficiencies in terms of height and weight. The prevalence of FAS is postulated to be 1 to 3, per a thousand live births.FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation and developmental disabilities. However it is entirely preventable. There are certain patients who present diagnostic classification referred to as Partial FAS. In the case of partial FAS it is important that medically, proper diagnosis be carried out in order to make a clear distinction of the characteristics: a) Central nervous system damage including structural, neurological and /or functional impairment. b) Prenatal alcohol exposure. c) Importantly but not all, of the growth deficiencies and/or facial features of FAS. Fetal Alcohol Effects This was a term introduced in 1978 to describe abnormalities seen in individuals that were compatible with those caused by prenatal alcohol exposure but the pattern not sufficiently complete to effectively render a diagnosis of FAS. In spite of that FAE was rapidly adopted as a medical diagnostic term. It implies a casual association between prenatal alcohol exposure and abnormalities observed in an individual patient which could not be confirmed. With the likely exception of the full FAS facial phenotype, no other physical anomalies or behavioral/cognitive observed in an individual with prenatal alcohol exposure are necessarily specific to; that is caused by their prenatal alcohol exposure. Specific feature such as microcephaly, neurological abnormalities, attention deficit, mental retardation and growth deficiencies frequently occur in individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure and at the same time also may be found occurring in individuals with no prenatal alcohol exposure. Static encephalopathy (alcohol exposed) This refers to a condition of significant abnormal condition of the structures or function of the brain tissues. The term static, expresses a situation where the abnormality in the brain is unchanging. That is to say, neither progressing nor regressing (PREMJI,2006). This diagnostic presentation is for patients who show characteristics such as: Prenatal alcohol exposure Central nervous system damage, that is structural, neurological, and/or significant functional disabilities. Neurobehavioral disorder (alcohol exposed) This is a diagnosis result classification for patients who present: a) Prenatal alcohol exposure b) Dysfunction of the central nervous system that is mild functional impairment with no evidence of structural or neurological anomalies. Alcohol related neurodevelopment disorder (ARND) This is another diagnostic classification for patients presenting: a) Prenatal alcohol exposure b) Central nervous system damage including structural, neurological and/or physical impairment. Treatment and prevention of FASD There is no cure for FASDs but research vividly shows that early intervention treatment services can no doubt improve a child’s development. Though there are many types of treatment options including medication to assist with certain symptoms, behavior and educational therapy, parent training, and other alternative approaches: no one treatment is right for every child. Good treatment schedule will include close monitoring, follow-ups and those changes necessarily needed along the way. In addition protective factors can help those affected with FASDs reach their full potentials. Protective Factors include: 1) Diagnosis before reaching six years of age Children diagnosed at early ages can be put in special classes and get the appropriate social services to help them and their families. Early diagnosis also helps families and school staffs understand why the child might act or react differently from other children. 2) Involvement in special care and educational services Children with fads have a wide range of challenges that might have to be addressed. Thus children receiving special education catered for their specific need and style of learning are more likely to reach their full potential( OConnor,2007). 3) Absence of violence People with FASDs living in stable non-abusive house-holds and who do not engage in acts of violence are much less likely to develop secondary conditions. 4) Loving nurturing and stable home environment during school years. Children with FASD can be more sensitive to disruptions than other children, changes in life-styles and routines and harmful relationships. Therefore a loving and stable home environment is very important for a child with FASD.Furthermore community and family support can greatly help prevent them developing secondary conditions (problems a person is not born with but might develop as a result of suffering from FASD(MCGEE). Types of treatment include: 1) Medical care Like every one else people with FASD have the same health medical needs as those without. They need well baby-care, vaccinations, good nutrition, exercise, hygiene, and basic medical care. However people with FASD have specific concern to the disorder that must also be monitored and addressed by a doctor or referred to a specialist. Types of treatment needed will be different for each person and will depend upon that person’s symptoms (Mitchell,2002). Types of medication It is instructive to mention that no medication has been specifically approved to treat FASD,but several medications can help improve the symptoms. Such medication include those that might help manage high energy levels, inability to focus, or depression. For example: A) Stimulants Stimulants are used to treat symptoms such as hyperactivity, problem paying attention, poor impulse control, and other behavioral issues. b) Antidepressants This medication type is used to treat symptoms such as sad mood, loss of interest, school disruptions, sleeping problems, irritability, negativity, aggression and anti-social behavior. c) Neuroleptics This type of medication is used to treat symptoms such as anxiety, aggression, and other behavioral problems. D) Anti-anxiety drugs Type of medication used to treat anxiety problems. Parental training Because of their condition, children with FASD might not respond well to normal parental practices. Therefore training of such parents has yielded successful results in educating parents about their child’s disability, and ways in which they may teach their child various skills and help them cope with their FASD-related symptoms. Parent training can be done in groups or individuals families guided by programs offered by therapists or special classes( Kable,2007). References Mitchell, K. T. (2002). Fetal alcohol syndrome: Practical suggestions and support for families and caregivers. Washington, DC: National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Kable, J. A., Coles, C. D., & Taddeo, E. (2007). Socio-cognitive habilitation using the math interactive learning experience program for alcohol-affected children. Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, 31(8), 1425-1434. OConnor, M.J., Frankel, F., Paley, B., Schonfeld, A.M., Carpenter, E., Laugeson E.A., et al. (2007). A controlled social skills training for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology, 74(4),639-648 MCGEE, C.L.; BJORKQUIST, O.A.; PRICE, J.M.; ET AL. Social information processing in children with histories of heavy prenatal alcohol exposure. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology 37(6):817–30, 2009 PREMJI, S.; BENZIES, K.; SERRETT, K; AND HAYDEN, K.A. Research-based interventions for children and youth with a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Revealing the gap. Child: Care, Health, and Development 33:389–397 , 2006. WARREN, K.; FLOYD, L.; CALHOUN, F.; ET AL. CONSENSUS STATEMENT ON FASD. WASHINGTON, DC: NATIONAL ORGANIZATION ON FETAL Alcohol Syndrome, 2004. Read More