Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
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Fetal alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is defined as a syndrome produced by prenatal exposure to alcohol and characterized by mental retardation, low birth weight, and a variety of other physical abnormalities (Pinel 333). Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) is similar in definition to FAS; however, not all characteristics that a FAS child has are present with a child who suffers from FAE. FAS/FAE occurs in a child when a pregnant mother consumes a substantial amount of alcohol during her pregnancy. The fetus's neurological development begins at very early stages in the pregnancy and alcohol like other drugs penetrates the placental membrane, which in-turn can damage the fetus (Pinel 332). A study conducted by Goodlett, Marcussen and West in 1990 showed that rats exposed on a single day during a fetal brain growth spurt extensively reduced the adult brain weight. There are many questions concerning who is the most susceptible to FAS/FAE, and what can be done to prevent it. Through education and awareness this syndrome can be stopped. A child who suffers from FAS/FAE is not a lost cause; these children simply need to be approached in a different manner than children who are not suffering from this syndrome. It is very important for educators and counselors to be aware of the differences in a FAS/FAE child and that of a child who doesn't have this adversity.
Typically a child who suffers from FAS/FAE comes from a lower socioeconomic home where the mother wasn't afforded proper prenatal care and education...