Developmental Milestones of Children With Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

During pregnancy, mother and child are inextricably, biologically linked. When a mother chooses to consume alcohol, the teratogen passes easily across the placenta to her unborn child. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, no level of alcoholic consumption is "safe" during pregnancy. Although binge drinking is more serious, any alcoholic consumption during pregnancy puts your child at risk for a conglomeration of physical, mental and developmental problems known as fetal alcohol syndrome.

  1. How Medical Professionals Determine FAS

    • A physician may be able to diagnose a child with FAS in early infancy, based on a conglomeration of physical problems including heart defects, facial abnormalities, stinted growth and poor muscle tone and coordination. With other children, doctors do not make a diagnosis of FAS until the children reach school age and show signs of learning disabilities or attention deficit disorder. Brain imaging studies such as a CT or MRI may play a role in diagnosis since children with FAS often exhibit significant brain anomalies including reduced overall brain size, a smaller than normal cerebellum and damage to the basal ganglia, according to the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

    Developmental Milestones

    • Although children mature at different rates, there are a series of motor, social, language and cognitive skills known as developmental milestones, which most children reach by a certain age. For instance, by 3 months of age, most babies are able to shake a rattle, recognize and smile at family members and track moving objects. Children with FAS typically experience delays in three or more categories of developmental milestones such as the following: motor, social, language and cognitive, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

    Early Development

    • If you consumed alcohol during your pregnancy or adopted a child whose mother may have used alcohol, it is important to monitor your baby's progress closely. Your child may have none of the physical characteristics of FAS such as flattened cheek bones and small eye openings, but still exhibit developmental delays according to the Kids Health website. Ask your doctor for a checklist of milestones for your child's first two years of life. Spend lots of one-on-one time with your baby so that you can observe her social, motor, language and cognitive skill development. Early diagnosis and intervention gives your child the best shot at a normal adulthood, according to the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

    Later Development

    • The effects of FAS become more apparent with age. Children with FAS often find themselves in trouble at school for behavioral problems such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, inability to concentrate and anxiety. They may struggle in the classroom due to poor memory, problem-solving difficulties and delayed language development. You may also notice that your child does not play imaginatively or creatively. Finally, a child with FAS will have a difficult time forming friendships and interacting with his peers, according to the Kids Health website. Talk to the school counselor and principal about special education classes for your child.

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