Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ( Fasd )

991 Words2 Pages

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the leading known cause of developmental disabilities in North America, with one in 1000 live births having the development of FAS and one in 100 developing FASD (Rutman). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a disorder in which the fetus can develop certain conditions based on the mothers alcohol consumption during a pregnancy. Alcohol pass from the mother to the baby through the umbilical cord causing these problems. So with increased use of alcohol by the mother, more severe conditions may become prevalent. Fetal Alcohol spectrum disorder is like an canopy that incorporates different alcohol related disorders. FASD includes fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), partial FAS (pFAS), and alcohol related neurodevelopmental disorders (ARND). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most severe fetal alcohol disorder that shows the patients neurological, behavioral and facial abnormalities. FAS usually happens during the embryonic period of development , weeks 2 to 9, when the high levels of ethanol from the alcohol are transported to the baby after the mother drinks alcohol. Partial FAS is when two of the three FAS conditions that will affect the individual. ARND just shows the the neurological problems that the patient has developed. In this paper, I will talk about the signs and symptoms of FAS, prevention and treatment of FAS and some factors that a practicing hygienist needs to keep in mind when treating patient with FAS.
Many signs and symptoms that may be present in an infant with FAS can be related to neurological, behavioral, facial and physical abnormalities. Neurological disorders that may be present is that the brain may show signs of microcephaly or a smaller brain. The brain may al...

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... to contact the dentist and the office in regards to the child 's needs and triggers in regards to the situation. Parents are also going to want to be prepared and aware of everything that is going on with their child during there procedure. Being present with your child or bring a security toy can help assure them that everything is going to be OK.
In conclusion, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a disorder that is caused by alcohol consumption of the mother during a pregnancy. I discussed the signs and symptoms of FAS that includes lower IQ, neurological disorders, behavioral defect and facial abnormalities. The prevention and treatment of FAS as well as the way that a dental hygienists will have to treat a patient with FAS were also discussed. I hope with more research and observation we can come up with new procedures and treatment for treating this growing disorder.

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