What treatments are available for fetal alcohol syndrome?

There is no cure for FASDs, but research shows that early intervention treatment services can improve a child’s development. Early intervention services help children from birth to 3 years of age (36 months) learn important skills. Services include therapy to help the child talk, walk, and interact with others.

How does fetal alcohol syndrome affect cognitive development?

Researchers have documented that children with FASDs show diminished intellectual functioning, with average IQ scores falling within the borderline to low average ranges. Slow information processing and disturbances of attention have been observed from infancy through adulthood in individuals with FASDs.

Is cognitive disabilities a symptom of fetal alcohol syndrome?

The severity of fetal alcohol syndrome symptoms varies, with some children experiencing them to a far greater degree than others. Signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome may include any mix of physical defects, intellectual or cognitive disabilities, and problems functioning and coping with daily life.

Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome a learning disability?

According to the British Medical Association, FASD is in fact the most common, non-genetic cause of learning disability in the UK, although it is often misdiagnosed as autism, Asperger Syndrome or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

Does FASD affect IQ?

The severity of the dysmorphic features was related to degree of mental deficiency; children with the most severe manifestations of FAS had an average IQ of 55, whereas children with lesser manifestations had an average IQ of 82.

Can you live a normal life with fetal alcohol syndrome?

Results: The life expectancy at birth of people with FAS was 34 years (95% confidence interval: 31 to 37 years), which was about 42% of that of the general population.

What are the challenges of cognitive-based treatment for FASD?

Problems with cognitive-based treatments: Individuals with FASD have cognitive (e.g., memory, understanding cause-and-effect), social (e.g., comprehending social cues) and adaptive (e.g., problem-solving ability, generalizing skills) deficits that complicate their participation in cognitive-based treatment.

What is the best therapy for children with FASD?

Behavior and Education Therapy. Behavior and education therapies can be important parts of treatment for children with FASDs. Although there are many different types of therapy for children with developmental disabilities, only a few have been scientifically tested specifically for children with FASDs.

What is the evidence for effective interventions for children with FASD?

Early diagnosis may decrease the risk of adverse life outcomes. However, little is known about effective interventions for children with FASD. Our aim is to conduct a systematic review of the literature to identify and evaluate the evidence for pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions for children with FASD.

Can rehearsal strategies improve working memory in children with FASD?

To improve working memory among children with FASD, Loomes and colleagues (2008)developed an intervention to promote the use of rehearsal strategies. Children ages 4–11 were recruited from FASD clinics, various FASD community agencies, and schools. A total of 33 children were randomly assigned to a treatment or control group.