FAS = Fetal Alcohol Syndrome FAE = Fetal Alcohol Effect

DEFINITION OF FAS

1. FAS is a medical diagnosis, made by physicians who have
received specific training in the assessment of birth defects.
When FAS is diagnosed, there is a known, or strongly suspected
history of maternal use of alcohol.
*Any amount of alcohol is damaging.

2. Criteria for Diagnosis
a. Premature birth
b. Low birth weight - will remain small for their age until puberty.

3. Distinctive Pattern of Facial Abnormalities
a. Small eye openings - this makes them look as though
their eyes are farther apart than other children.
b.Flat midface
c. Faint philtrum ( the indentation from under the nose to
the top of the lips
d.Skin folds near the inner part of the eye
e.Flat nose bridge
f. Difference in the placement and shape of ears- one may
be higher or lower, and the top of the ear is pointed ( like
Mr. Spockšs) instead of rounded
g.Short pushed-up nose
h.Small somewhat pointed chin
i.Other possible physical abnormalities
1. Heart defects
2. Teeth - misshapen/misaligned/too large
3. Cleft palate/lip
4. Skeletal problems/ small bones
5. Unexplained pains in joints

4. Some Degree of Brain Damage
a. I.Q. may range from 20 - 130
b. Learning disabilities
c. Impulsivity
d. ADD
e. Motor problems (both gross and fine)
f. Behavioral problems
g. Hypoactivity
h. Hyperactivity
i. Developmental delays

DEFINITION OF FAE

1.Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) is a medical diagnosis made by
physicians who have received specific training in the
assessment of birth defects. FAE is not as easily identifiable as
FAS because there may be fewer physical abnormalities, but
knowledge of maternal use of alcohol makes it certain that
brain damage has occurred.
2.In addition some of the following criteria is necessary for diagnosis.
a. Low birth weight
b. Small body size unti puberty
c. Some of the facial features - for example
1.Small eye openings
2.Faint or indistinct philtrum
3.Flat nose bridge
4.Placement of ears - and misshapen
5.Short pushed-up nose
6.Small pointed chin
d.In addition there may be some or all of the following
1.I.Q. may range between 20 - 130
2.Learning disabilities
3.Motor skills dysfunction
4.Hyperactivity
5. Hypoactivity
6.ADD

*A CHILD WITH A HISTORY OF PRE-NATAL ALCOHOL EXPOSURE, BUT NOT HAVING THE PHYSICAL OR BE- HAVIORAL CHARACTERISTICS MAY BE AN FAE CHILD. FAE IS NOT A LESS SEVERE FORM OF FAS, THESE CHILDREN ARE ALSO BRAIN DAMAGED - THEY WILL NOT GET BETTER WITH TIME.

FACTS ABOUT FAS AND FAE


1. At least 5,000 babies are born each year with FAS.
2. 50,000 children show symptoms of FAE.
3. FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation.
4. FAS/FAE is a problem found in all races and socio-economic groups.
5. FAS/FAE is irreversible physical and mental damage.
6. Many children labeled as learning disabled are believed to be FAE children.
7. The behavioral and mental problems of FAE children are
no less than those of FAS childern.
8. Many children with FAS/FAE are unable to understand cause and effect,
or distant consequences.
9. Many FAS/FAE children have poor coordination, short attention
spans, are either hyperactive or hypoactive, and have
behavioral problems.
10. Costs to the American taxpayers is $321 every year in care,
detainment, prosecution, institutionalization and incarceration
for misjudged or undiagnosed FAS/FAE people.
11. The cost to the FAS/FAE person is inestimable, because it lasts
a lifetime.

*Even one drink puts an unborn baby's health and life at risk.

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