Shawn was born with fetal alcohol syndrome shawns symptoms may include all of the following except

• harm to the development of the fetal nervous system, including the brain
• under-nourishment of the growing baby
• in some cases, triggering of changes in the development of the baby’s face, resulting in certain facial features.

Babies severely affected by FASD are at risk of dying before they are born.

Not all babies exposed to alcohol develop FASD. The risk of harm to the fetus is highest when prenatal exposure to alcohol occurs regularly or due to frequent binge drinking.

To avoid FASD, avoid alcohol when pregnant

The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) , Australia’s main health research organisation, recommends that for women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, not drinking alcohol is the safest option.

Diagnosis of FASD

An accurate diagnosis of FASD is important. It can help provide appropriate care for the child and prevent FASD happening again in any later pregnancy.

The three main features used to make a diagnosis of FASD are:

1. significant problems with learning and behaviour
2. certain facial features that are known to be associated with FASD
3. a history of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Facial features that may be associated with FASD include:

• short horizontal length of the eye opening, from the inner corner to the outer corner of the eye
• a smooth philtrum (the usually ridged area of skin between the upper lip and the nose)
• a thin upper lip.

Learning and behavioural problems may include:

• learning difficulties
• memory problems
• impulsiveness
• limited attention span, ease of distraction or hyperactivity
• difficulty relating actions to consequences
• difficulty following instructions (but able to repeat them verbally)
• difficulty with abstract thinking – such as about mathematics, money or time
• slow cognitive processing (thinking)
• difficulty with social relationships

Other findings that are seen more commonly in children with FASD are birth defects, slow growth before and after birth and delayed development. Detailed information about the characteristics of FASD can be found in the NOFASD fact sheet ‘FASD – Characteristics across the lifespan ’.

The Australian Guide to the diagnosis of FASD sets out the diagnostic criteria to help doctors make a diagnosis of FASD. These guidelines were updated in 2020.

Children grow and develop at different speeds. If you’re worried about your child’s development it’s a good idea to speak with your GP or maternal and child health nurse.

Treatment of FASD

FASD causes lifelong disability and cannot be cured, but a person with FASD can be assisted by programs to help them with their learning and behaviour. Such assistance can enable a person with FASD to maximise their independence and achievements.

Treatment programs are individualised and are usually coordinated by a developmental paediatrician. A wide range of educational and behavioural strategies have been shown to be effective in children with FASD, and stimulant medication may be helpful for the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Where to get help

• Bower C, Elliott EJ (on behalf of the Steering Group) 2016, Australian Guide to the Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) , Report to the Australian Government Department of Health. 
• May PA, Gossage JP, 2011, ‘Maternal risk factors for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Not as simple as it might seem ’, Alcohol Research, vol. 34, no. 1.
• Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol , 2009, National Health and Medical Research Council, Australian Government. 

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Babies whose mothers drank alcohol during their pregnancy can be born with birth defects and developmental disabilities. The problems that can happen when babies are exposed to alcohol are grouped together and called fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). These include a wide range of physical, behavioral, and learning problems. The most severe type of FASD is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS).

How Does Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Affect Children?

Children with fetal alcohol syndrome have facial features such as small eyes, a thin upper lip, and a smooth philtrum (the groove between nose and upper lip). 

They also can have:

• Poor growth. Newborns may have low birth weights and small heads. They may not grow or gain weight as well as other children.
• Birth defects. FAS can cause heart, bone, and kidney problems. Vision problems and hearing loss are common.
• Seizures and other neurologic problems, such as learning disabilities, and poor balance and coordination.
• Delayed development. Kids may not reach milestones at the expected time.
• Behavioral problems. Babies may be fussy or jittery, and have trouble sleeping. Older children and teens may have:
  • a lack of coordination and poor fine-motor skills
  • trouble getting along with friends and relating to others
  • learning problems (especially in math), poor memory, and poor problem-solving skills
  • behavior problems such as hyperactivity, poor attention and concentration, and impulsiveness

Children with other FASDs have many of the same problems, but usually to a lesser degree.

How Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose the condition based on a baby’s symptoms, especially if they know that the mother drank during pregnancy. In children with milder problems, FASD can be harder to diagnose. No blood test or other medical test can diagnose FASD.

The child may go to see a team of specialists who can help make the diagnosis. They might include a developmental pediatrician, neurologist, genetic specialist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and psychologist.

How Is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Treated?

There is no cure for fetal alcohol syndrome or other FASDs. But many things can help children reach their full potential, especially if the problem is found early.

Kids can benefit from:

Doctors may prescribe medicines to help with related problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, aggressive behavior, sleep problems, and anxiety.

Parent training can help caregivers learn how to best care for a child with FAS and handle any problem behaviors.

Can Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Be Prevented?

Alcohol use (beer, wine, or hard liquor) during pregnancy is the leading cause of preventable birth defects and intellectual disabilities in the United States.

Fetal alcohol syndrome and other FASDs can be prevented by not drinking any alcohol during pregnancy. A woman shouldn’t drink if she’s trying to get pregnant or thinks she may be pregnant. If a pregnant woman does drink, the sooner she stops, the better it will be for her baby’s health.

Alcohol easily passes through the placenta, the organ that nourishes a baby during pregnancy. So no amount of alcohol is safe to drink during pregnancy. Even a little bit of alcohol can harm a developing fetus and increase the risk of miscarriage.

How Can Parents Help?

Children with FASD tend to be friendly and cheerful and enjoy social interaction. But caring for a child with this syndrome can be a challenge. Kids will have lifelong physical, learning, and behavioral problems.

Besides early intervention services and support from your child's school, providing a stable, nurturing, and safe home environment can help reduce the effects of an FASD. Don't be afraid to get help, if needed. Talk to your child's doctor or other members of the care team.

Caregivers should take care of themselves too. Support groups and counselors can help. It's also important to get help for a parent or caregiver who struggles with alcohol addiction.

For more information, visit:

• National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome