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Adoption

FAS signs and symptoms

6 replies

tea4two4three · 20/07/2014 09:28

Hi there, I was hoping for some clues/answers to a FAS query I have.
Can a child, who has known to have been subjected to alcohol in the womb show the physical signs of FAS ie facially, height and weight, but not the neurological signs - has hit all their milestones early, sleeps, very social. Can you have one without the other? I've scoured the web but I'm struggling to find any answers. If anyone could point me in the right direction it would be very much appreciated.

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Floraclare · 20/07/2014 11:35

It's fairly common for babies with FAS/FASD to meet early gross motor milestones and it often isn't until later childhood that much of the neurological damage becomes apparent, possibly with learning difficulties, social and emotional difficulties and particularly problems with executive functioning, that sometimes don't become fully apparent until age 9 or 10. Meeting early developmental milestones doesn't really mean anything. Having the facial features is usually associated with a greater degree of neurological damage, however, it is a huge spectrum and no two children will be the same

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silverlinings79 · 20/07/2014 14:58

I asked this same question a couple of months ago, the lovely Mumsnet posters were very helpful and I found these answers useful...
www.mumsnet.com/Talk/adoptions/2067746-FAS-FASD-question
Hope you find them just as useful

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tea4two4three · 20/07/2014 15:22

Fantastic link and well answered, thank you both x

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fasparent · 20/07/2014 21:28

Have been through FAS Journey with our TWO Children now adults were both effected at the high end of FAS with Medical and Learning problems
how ever both are now in full employment and independent as adult's passed their driving test's live a full life, but still have FAS.
Early interventions 0 too 7 years is of the most important window of opportunity too lesson secondary problems, Do not need a diagnosis too implement these, waiting for such will only hinder interventions , which would be not harm any child with or without FAS FASD. Must remember FAS FASD is only a Umbrella Term, children with suspected FAS FASD may have complex needs, Autism, ARND, ADHD, Asperger's, SID's, Learning Disorders, Etc., This does not however mean these are caused FAS or FASD could be other reasons. FAS Interventions will work for all groups are simple. see //www.fasaware.co.uk for details of school interventions and other resources

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fasparent · 20/07/2014 22:37

Sorry by high end of FAS mean was diagnosed at birth , Birth weight 1lb 12oz. all facial features, congenital heart defect's, skeletal problem's, growth retardation, Central nervous system dysfunctions, Secondary problems SID's, Executive function's disorder, Short term memory ( but excellent long term memory) learning difficulty's, Rugby ball eye.
But with good interventions dd has overcome all thanks too our support group and fasawareuk , all parents of Adopted FAS children sharing their experience and knowledge .

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tea4two4three · 21/07/2014 18:49

I want to start with interventions as early as I can, regardless as to whether there are further signs. I'm just a bit frustrated with certain professionals who are saying that because DC is meeting their developmental milestones early they have no further concerns. I think this is so irresponsible as DC is still so young and does have some facial features (and I think some traits although this could be toddlernes) and BM was a huge drinker during pregnancy. I don't want such a 'diagnosis' to limit any future support DC may need. Thanks for your answers, it is appreciated.

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