How Can Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Or Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) Affect My Childs School Performance?
Alcohol consumed in pregnancy easily crosses the placenta. Until recently, not very much was known about the affects of alcohol upon the developing fetus. It appears that the more alcohol that is consumed, the more devastating the result on the developing child (Kline, Silver, & Russell, 2001, Batshaw, 2000). The following characteristics may be present at or before birth, and in the early years of development: • Growth deficiency during pregnancy, diagnosed through ultrasound • Small head size • Delayed milestones • Hyperactivity • Attention difficulties • Intellectual impairment • Learning Disabilities • Seizures Sadly, the effects of alcohol are permanent and many of the effects of alcohol are not evident until academic difficulties appear at school-age.
