Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Question 1

What causes fetal alcohol syndrome?

Answer 1

When a mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy

There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy

Question 2

Does an individual with fetal alcohol syndrome always present with physical features?

Answer 2

No

Question 3

What are some physical signs and symptoms of fetal alcohol syndrome?

Answer 3

Low body weight and shorter stature
Vision or hearing problems
Problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones
Smaller head size
Smooth philtrum (area between the nose and upper lip)
Poor coordination

Question 4

What are some neurological/cognitive signs of fetal alcohol syndrome?

Answer 4

Hyperactive behaviour
Difficulty with attention
Poor memory
Learning and/or intellectual disability
Speech and language delays
Poor reasoning and judgement skills