Preventing or Reducing the Risk of DisabilitiesFetal Alcohol Syndrome and Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) refers to a group of physical, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities that are caused by a woman drinking alcohol while pregnant. FAS is identified by abnormal facial features, central nervous system problems and a slowness in growth. It can cause physical and mental disabilities of varying levels of severity. Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) is also caused by a woman drinking alcohol while pregnant. Children with ARND do not have full FAS but may demonstrate learning and behavioral problems. There is no cure for FAS and ARND. Children with FAS or ARND can have serious lifelong disabilities. Both FAS and ARND are 100% preventable. Do not drink alcohol while pregnant or if you are planning a pregnancy. Neural Tube Defects A neural tube defect (NTD) is a birth defect occurring in the brain or spinal cord. NTDs are the most common of all serious birth defects. The neural tube is the part of the fetus that becomes the spinal cord and brain. Examples of NTDs are anencephaly (partial or complete absence of the baby’s brain) and spina bifida (an opening in the spine that requires surgery). Recent studies have shown that women who take the B vitamin (folic acid or folate) before pregnancy and during the first two months of pregnancy can reduce the risk of serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. By taking a safe and readily available multivitamin pill with folic acid every day there is a 50 percent or greater chance of preventing NTDs. Shaken Baby Syndrome Shaken baby syndrome is caused by vigorous shaking of an infant or young child by the arms, legs, chests or shoulders. Forceful shaking can result in brain damage leading to mental retardation, speech and learning disabilities, paralysis, hearing loss and even death. It may cause bleeding around the brain and eyes, resulting in blindness. Frustration from a baby’s incessant crying and toileting problems have been described as events leading to shaking. The adult shaker also may be jealous of the attention that the child receives from his or her partner. The treatment of survivors falls into three major categories – medical, behavioral, and educational. In addition to medical care, children may need speech and language therapy, vision therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and special education services. Some may need the assistance of feeding experts and behavioral consultants. Do not shake a baby! Do not handle a baby if you are angry. Stop, calm down, try again. Preventing Head Injuries Through the Use of Helmets Traumatic brain injury impairs cognitive, physical, psychosocial and emotional functioning temporarily or permanently. An individual could suffer memory loss, problems with reading comprehension, an inability to concentrate, severe mood swings, and impulsive, uncontrollable behavior. A helmet worn while bicycling, skateboarding, roller blading, skiing and other similar activities can significantly reduce the chance of serious brain injury by absorbing the impact that would hit the skull and brain in a crash.
FAS Training for Families and Professionals:
The Arc of New Mexico
The Arc Thriftown, Inc.
March of Dimes - New Mexico Chapter
University of New Mexico Department of Pediatrics
University of New Mexico Center for Alcohol, Substance Abuse and Addictions (CASAA)
Information Center for New Mexicans with Disabilities/Baby Net
American Lung Association of New Mexico
Spina Bifida Association of New Mexico
Parents Reaching Out (PRO)
Brain Injury Advisory Council (BIAC)
Parents of Behaviorally Different Children (PBDC)
Protection and Advocacy Systems (P&A)
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