Questions regarding a cure for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are very common. Unfortunately, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / FASD cannot be cured. The brain damage that occurs to an unborn baby when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol cannot be changed or reversed. However, people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / FASD can function very well in life, when given the right support and resources. Support includes a stable and loving home, and/or a job coach and placement program.
What we cannot change about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / FASD are called Primary Disabilities and include:
- Facial Features Associated with FAS
- Height and Weight (small in stature)
- Brain Damage (learning disabilities, memory problems, poor impulse control, etc.)
Secondary characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / FASD are the ones that can be prevented when we deal with the Primary Disability properly. Secondary characteristics can include:
- Mental Health Problems
- Disruptive School Experience
- Trouble with the Law
- Confinement (includes jail, mental health and chemical dependency treatment)
- Inappropriate Sexual Behavior
- Alcohol/Drug Problems
- Dependent Living
- Employment Problems
Find more information on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in our resource section.
