Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
The FASD pages of this website will offer information and speaking points regarding causes, effects, intervention, and family support for this very important topic. This website does not offer specific diagnosis or treatment and we recommend that you contact a health care professional directly if you have any questions or concerns about FASD. Kathryn Shea, MSW, LCSW The Florida Center for Child and Family Development, Sarasota, FL

Every year in the U.S.

• 4 million babies are born
• 12% of babies are born too soon -premature
• 8% are born with low birth weight
• 3% have major birth defects
• 31% of women suffer pregnancy complications
• 30% or more will have surgery/cesarean section
  Between 1996 and 2006 the percentage of live births delivered by cesarean section increased more than 50 percent in the United States!

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• FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.
• May include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications.
• Not a diagnosis.

“Behold, thou shalt conceive and bear a son; and now drink no wine or strong drinks.”
- Judges 13.7

“Foolish, drunken and harebrained women most often bring forth children like unto themselves, morose and languid.” -Aristotle

• Sullivan, England, 1899.
  120 FEMALE “drunkards” In Liverpool prison: Compared to sober relatives studies found perinatal and infant mortality to be two and one-half times higher in the offspring of female “drunkards”

  Click here to view a very detailed presentation on
  Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders