You’re Only Allowed To Hurt Yourself

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FAS/E (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effects) is a birth defect involving permanent brain damage caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. There are four diagnostic criteria for FAS: alcohol exposure, prenatal and/or postnatal growth deficiencies, a certain pattern of facial features, and Central Nervous System damage. Because neurological damage may/not include mental retardation, learning disabilities can get misdiagnosed as Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD or ADD). In addition FAS is not included as a Developmental Disability (DD).
FAS/E is the combination of (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), and refers to the full range of disabilities. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is defined and characterized by a number of congenital birth defects that develop in the womb as a result of exposure to alcohol either before or during pregnancy. These birth defects are best recognized by pre and/or postnatal growth deficiencies, a certain pattern of facial malformations, Central Nervous System dysfunctions, and a varying degree of major organ system malformations. The effects are generally visibly recognizable. (Jones, Streissguth 103-105) And Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) is defined as structural and functional defects attributed to prenatal exposure of alcohol. FAE is inclusive of FAS and provides a category for those whose birth defects do not fully meet the FAS case definitions and who (for the most part) do not have the facial deformities, so outwardly they appear normal. (Jones, Streissguth 103-105)
As the mother consumes alcohol (alcohol exposure), it enters the bloodstream and reaches the developing fetus by crossing the placenta. Because a fetus metabolizes alcohol slower than an adult does, the developing baby's blood alcohol concentrations are higher than those in the mother’s body. The presence of alcohol can reduce the flow of oxygen to the baby's developing tissues and organs and damage brain cells. (Johnson)
A baby with prena...