Treating and Managing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is caused by a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. The process of alcohol passing from the mother’s blood and to the baby through the umbilical cord can cause neurological problems, growth problems, abnormal facial features and severe learning and behavior issues. While FAS is a lifelong condition, there are some proven strategies and services individuals may consider using to help treat and manage FAS and improve a child’s development. 

Treating and Managing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) 

• Early Intervention Services: These services can include physical therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and special education support. The earlier these services are started, the better the outcomes tend to be. 
• Medication: While there is no specific drug to treat FAS, several types of medications may help manage its symptoms. These can include drugs to address mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety and other mental health issues.  
• Behavioral and Educational Therapy: Children with FAS can benefit from therapies that help improve their social skills, manage behavior and address learning difficulties. This can include behavioral therapy, social skills training and educational interventions. 
• Parent Training: Training can help parents and caregivers manage behavioral problems, promote positive parent-child interactions and create a stable, nurturing home environment. 
• Supportive Environment: A stable and loving home environment can help children with FAS reach their full potential. This includes establishing routines, setting simple rules and fostering a calm, nurturing environment. 
• Medical Care: Regular medical care is important to manage the physical health problems associated with FAS, such as heart abnormalities, problems with kidneys and bones, small head circumference and brain size, vision difficulties or hearing problems, deformities of joints, limbs and fingers and growth problems before and after birth. 

Remember, each child with FAS is unique and may require different types of support and services. It’s important to work with a team of healthcare providers and therapists to determine the most effective treatment and support options.