The term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) describes the effects that some people have who were exposed to alcohol while inside the womb, including FAS, Fetal Alcohol syndrome. Learn more about effects of FASD from the Center for Disease Control Website.
There is no specific test to diagnose FAS; it requires a clinical exam with specially trained physicians and staff. Fullerton Genetics Center, in collaboration with Huff Center Therapies, offers the only interdisciplinary FASD Diagnostic Clinic in North Carolina.
The clinic's staff includes:
- A Clinical Geneticist
- Genetic Counselor
- Social Worker
- Family Support Specialist
- Pediatric Occupational Therapist
- A Pedatric Speech & Language Pathologist
Diagnosis of Children with FASD
A diagnosis of FASD includes findings in these three areas:
- Differences in the face
- Growth problems
- Brain differences
Children with FAS have subtle differences in their faces, including:
- Small eye openings
- Smooth area between nose and lip
- Thin upper lip
Also, many children with FAS tend to be in less than the 10th percentile in height and/or weight compared to other children their age.
Symptoms of FASD
Brain differences in individuals with FAS may include problems with learning and behavior, small head size, hyperactivity, and short attention spans. Here are some typical problems of people with FAS:
Newborns
- Irritable
- Feeding problems
- Sensitivity to noises, odors, or rough clothing
- Abnormal sleep cycles
Toddlers (to 4 years)
- Difficulty with coordination
- Hyperactivity
- Global developmental delays
Ages 4-12
- Learning disabilities
- Short attention span
- Mood changes
- Intellectual disabilities (about 25% of individuals with FAS have IQs under 70)
12 and up
- Memory problems
- Poor problem-solving skills
- Trouble with time and money management
- Poor judgment
These problems may not appear in every child with FAS. With proper care, symptoms may be reduced.
Associated Terms
Some of the other terms associated with FASDs:
Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (PFAS)
Alcohol-related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)
Alcohol-related Birth Defects (ARBD)
These terms usually describe people who have some, but not all of the FAS symptoms. Learn more about these terms on our FAQ page.
Contact and More Information:
If you would like more information on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder clinic at Fullerton Genetics Center call us at 828-213-1051, or use our online contact form.
Fullerton Genetics Center
14 Victoria Rd.
Asheville, NC 28801
Maps & Directions
If you have questions about alcohol use during pregnancy, you can call the Pregnancy Exposure Riskline at 800-532-6302. This is a confidential, toll-free number for North Carolina residents.
