Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a set of physical and mental developmental defects that can result when a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy. FAS is characterized by craniofacial malformations, microcephaly, and growth deficits. 'There may be no obvious physical features, but a child with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure have organic brain damage and some have considerable cognitive deficits (partial FAS). Affected children have difficulties with learning, attention, memory, judgement and problem solving. They show poor impulse control, lack fear and have problems dealing with risks. They fail to consider the consequences of their actions. They are naive, credulous, and easily encouraged to follow others. As the resulting psychosocial and adjustment problems persist into adolescence and adulthood lifetime care is required to support and protect FAS patients.