Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. The term FASD is not intended for use as a clinical diagnosis. It refers to conditions such as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), fetal alcohol effects (FAE), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), and alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD). Each year, as many as 40,000 babies are born with an FASD, costing the Nation about $4 billion
Just the Facts
- Prenatal exposure to alcohol is the leading cause of preventable birth defects in the country.
- Each year, as many as 40,000 babies are born with an FASD, costing the nation about $4 billion. (Source: FASD Center for Excellence)
- FASD is an irreversible, lifelong condition that affects every aspect of a child’s life and the lives of the child’s family – there is no cure for FASD.
- According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the US Surgeon General, there is no known safe amount or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
- It has been estimated, the cost of FASD to Ohio taxpayers for providing special services for education, juvenile justice, medical and mental health services, foster care and unemployment is nearly $300 million every year. (Source: Ohio Department of Health)
- Raising a child with FASD is 100 times more expensive than preventing FASD in a child.
- Due to a combination of factors, most cases of FASD go undiagnosed. In fact, of the estimated 114,000 Ohioans living with FASD, only 300 have been clinically diagnosed. (Source: Ohio Department of Health)
- Early diagnosis and treatment for FASD can help children reach their fullest potential, lessen secondary disabilities and problems, and help families better understand and cope.
- FASD is 100 percent preventable.
- Sept. 9 is International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day.
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