Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQ
Where do I go for a diagnosis?
Through a statewide network, New Jersey provides support for nine Child Evaluation Centers (CECs), which provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluations of children with congenital or acquired neuro-developmental and behavioral disorders. Following evaluation, the CECs develop an individualized service plan (ISP) in collaboration with families. The cost of diagnostic evaluation is the responsibility of the individual and each clinical site varies in their fees. However, no child is denied access to these services due to the absence of third party health insurance coverage or an inability to pay. Families should contact the evaluation team directly to determine their options regarding insurance, sliding scale fees, private pay or other funding sources.
A list of New Jersey’s Child Evaluation Centers can be found here https://fasdnj.org/child-evaluation-centers/
What are Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)?
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD) describes the physical defects linked to prenatal alcohol exposure, including heart, skeletal, kidney, ear, and eye malformations in the absence of apparent neurobehavioral or brain disorders.
What is Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)?
ARND is a condition under the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) umbrella. ARND refers to a complex range of disabilities in neurodevelopment and behavior, adaptive skills, and self-regulation in the presence of confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure. Specifically, individuals with ARND do not have the FAS facial abnormalities, but may have developmental disabilities including structural and/or functional central nervous system dysfunction (brain damage) with behavioral and learning problems.
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?
Defined and named in 1973, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a disorder resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol. It is characterized by abnormalities in three domains: (1) growth deficiency, (2) central nervous system dysfunction resulting in neurobehavioral disorders, and (3) a specific pattern of facial abnormalities. Confirmed maternal use of alcohol might or might not be documented. Individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally who do not have identifiable deficits in all three domains required for an FAS diagnosis might be diagnosed with one of the other conditions under the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders continuum, such as Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder or Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure.
What are Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE)?
The term Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) was initially proposed (Clarren and Smith, 1978) for use when an adverse birth outcome could be proven to be related to alcohol exposure in utero, but did not meet the diagnostic criteria for FAS. The term was never meant to be used as a diagnostic term or with individual patients, and is now not commonly used.
Does consuming alcohol while breastfeeding pose any risk to my baby?
Not drinking alcohol is the safest option for breastfeeding mothers.
http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2018/07/26/peds.2018-1377
Terms & Definitions
What are Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)?
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD) describes the physical defects linked to prenatal alcohol exposure, including heart, skeletal, kidney, ear, and eye malformations in the absence of apparent neurobehavioral or brain disorders.
What is Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)?
ARND is a condition under the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) umbrella. ARND refers to a complex range of disabilities in neurodevelopment and behavior, adaptive skills, and self-regulation in the presence of confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure. Specifically, individuals with ARND do not have the FAS facial abnormalities, but may have developmental disabilities including structural and/or functional central nervous system dysfunction (brain damage) with behavioral and learning problems.
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?
Defined and named in 1973, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a disorder resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol. It is characterized by abnormalities in three domains: (1) growth deficiency, (2) central nervous system dysfunction resulting in neurobehavioral disorders, and (3) a specific pattern of facial abnormalities. Confirmed maternal use of alcohol might or might not be documented. Individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally who do not have identifiable deficits in all three domains required for an FAS diagnosis might be diagnosed with one of the other conditions under the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders continuum, such as Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder or Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure.
What are Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE)?
The term Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) was initially proposed (Clarren and Smith, 1978) for use when an adverse birth outcome could be proven to be related to alcohol exposure in utero, but did not meet the diagnostic criteria for FAS. The term was never meant to be used as a diagnostic term or with individual patients, and is now not commonly used.
Diagnoses Questions
Are there other mental conditions that can co-occur with FASDs?
Signs and symptoms of an FASD are similar to some mental illnesses. In many cases, the signs and symptoms of an FASD go unrecognized or are misdiagnosed as a mental illness or brain injury. Individuals with an FASD may also receive multiple diagnoses, such as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, and anxiety disorder. Therefore, it is important to determine whether the symptoms are a result of prenatal alcohol exposure or have another root cause. If an FASD is unrecognized, treatments may be ineffective. When the best possible diagnostic and treatment methods do not work, consider the possibility of an FASD. An FASD assessment may be in order, including neuropsychological tests, by a clinician familiar with FASD. FASD can co-occur with many disorders, such as: Major depressive or bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, autism or Asperger’s syndrome, schizophrenia, personality or conduct disorders, reactive attachment disorder, traumatic brain injury
How Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Co-Occur With Mental Illness PDF1
Source: (1) https://www.acog.org/
I adopted my child. How do I know whether he/she has FASD and not some other disorder?
A large percentage of foster and adopted children with FASD are misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. If possible, try to ascertain whether your child was exposed to alcohol in utero. If that is not possible, talk with a doctor about the possibility that your child may have FASD and see if your child meets the criteria for FAS.
What is the difference between FASD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
While Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are similar and can be difficult to distinguish because both disorders are characterized by inappropriate social behavior and difficulty interacting with peers, the two are rather different. Some of the differences between ASD and FASD include: Children with autism have a harder time relating to others or initiating social interaction. Individuals with FASD may develop verbal and non-verbal skills slower than normal, but they usually eventually do develop them while individuals with autism may not. Children with autism may speak in a stilted, robotic manner or not at all while children with FASD are usually able to speak more easily. Individuals with FASD tend to be more animated and outgoing while individuals with autism have a hard time expressing spontaneous emotion. Both disorders are characterized by difficulty with change in rituals, but children with autism are much more unyielding than children with FASD.
What is the difference between FASD and ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)?
The behavioral phenotype of children with FASD includes difficulties with executive function, memory, planning, processing speed, and attention. Although attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is diagnosed in up to 94% of individuals with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure, the exact relationship between FASD and ADHD is unclear. There is some evidence that ADHD in FASD may be a specific clinical subtype and thus may require a different treatment approach. Although traditional behavioral observation scales may not distinguish between the two groups, there is evidence that children with FASD have a different profile on the four-factor model of attention than children with ADHD who do not have FASD. There is a paucity of good scientific evidence on effective interventions for individuals with ADHD and FASD. There is weak evidence that children with FASD and ADHD may have a better response to dexamphetamine than methylphenidate.
Source: (Peadon, E., & Elliot, E.J. [2010]. Distinguishing between attention-deficit hyperactivity and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in children: Clinical guidelines. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 6: 509–515.)
For Affected Individuals
What are some of the symptoms to watch for?
History of chemical dependency/child protection; received many diagnoses such as ADHD, Autism, Reactive Attachment Disorder, Bi-Polar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, etc.; easily distracted, hyperactive, inattentive, impulsive; consistently displays extreme behavior (aggression, emotional instability); has trouble remembering rules; makes the same mistakes repeatedly; displays difficulties in holding a job; learning disabilities; speech and language delays; poor reasoning and judgment skills; problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones; distinctive facial and physical features.
How do you know if you have FASD?
Only trained professionals can diagnose FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). Most individuals with FASD are never diagnosed. This often happens with children who exhibit only the behavioral and emotional problems related to FASD, but do not display any signs of developmental or physical growth deficiencies. Problems associated with FASD tend to intensify as children move into adulthood. These can include mental health problems, troubles with the law and the inability to live independently. Though FASD can only be truly diagnosed by a trained professional, there are key indicators that suggest one should seek a professional diagnosis.
What are the strengths and challenges of individual with FASD?
Overall, basic language skills (vocabulary and syntax) are considered areas of strength of individuals with FASDs. In contrast, visual spatial skills are an area of weakness that can lead to significant deficits in knowledge and math-related skills. (NOFAS)
Terms & Definitions
What is Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE)?
A child or youth with ND-PAE will have problems in three areas: (1) thinking and memory, where the child may have trouble planning or may forget material he or she has already learned, (2) behavior problems, such as severe tantrums, mood issues (for example, irritability), and difficulty shifting attention from one task to another, and (3) trouble with day-to-day living, which can include problems with bathing, dressing for the weather, and playing with other children.
What are Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)?
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD) describes the physical defects linked to prenatal alcohol exposure, including heart, skeletal, kidney, ear, and eye malformations in the absence of apparent neurobehavioral or brain disorders.
What is Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)?
ARND is a condition under the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) umbrella. ARND refers to a complex range of disabilities in neurodevelopment and behavior, adaptive skills, and self-regulation in the presence of confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure. Specifically, individuals with ARND do not have the FAS facial abnormalities, but may have developmental disabilities including structural and/or functional central nervous system dysfunction (brain damage) with behavioral and learning problems.
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?
Defined and named in 1973, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a disorder resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol. It is characterized by abnormalities in three domains: (1) growth deficiency, (2) central nervous system dysfunction resulting in neurobehavioral disorders, and (3) a specific pattern of facial abnormalities. Confirmed maternal use of alcohol might or might not be documented. Individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally who do not have identifiable deficits in all three domains required for an FAS diagnosis might be diagnosed with one of the other conditions under the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders continuum, such as Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder or Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure.
What are Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE)?
The term Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) was initially proposed (Clarren and Smith, 1978) for use when an adverse birth outcome could be proven to be related to alcohol exposure in utero, but did not meet the diagnostic criteria for FAS. The term was never meant to be used as a diagnostic term or with individual patients, and is now not commonly used.
What are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that may occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol in utero. These effects can include physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. Often, a person with an FASD has a mix of these problems.
General FAQ
What are Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)?
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD) describes the physical defects linked to prenatal alcohol exposure, including heart, skeletal, kidney, ear, and eye malformations in the absence of apparent neurobehavioral or brain disorders.
What is Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)?
ARND is a condition under the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) umbrella. ARND refers to a complex range of disabilities in neurodevelopment and behavior, adaptive skills, and self-regulation in the presence of confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure. Specifically, individuals with ARND do not have the FAS facial abnormalities, but may have developmental disabilities including structural and/or functional central nervous system dysfunction (brain damage) with behavioral and learning problems.
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)?
Defined and named in 1973, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a disorder resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol. It is characterized by abnormalities in three domains: (1) growth deficiency, (2) central nervous system dysfunction resulting in neurobehavioral disorders, and (3) a specific pattern of facial abnormalities. Confirmed maternal use of alcohol might or might not be documented. Individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally who do not have identifiable deficits in all three domains required for an FAS diagnosis might be diagnosed with one of the other conditions under the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders continuum, such as Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder or Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure.
What are Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE)?
The term Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) was initially proposed (Clarren and Smith, 1978) for use when an adverse birth outcome could be proven to be related to alcohol exposure in utero, but did not meet the diagnostic criteria for FAS. The term was never meant to be used as a diagnostic term or with individual patients, and is now not commonly used.