Prenatal Drug Exposure and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Over one million women in the United States who use alcohol, nicotine, cocaine and other drugs increase the risk of giving birth to babies with developmental delays. Fetal alcohol exposure is the nations leading cause of mental retardation. Approximately 5,000-10,000 babies are born each year with severe Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). FAS is defined as defects to the developing fetus due to excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy causing mental retardation, facial anomalies or heart defects in the child. Approximately 11% of all newborns in the United States (375,000 infants) are exposed to drugs in utero.
CHARACTERISTICS OF FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (FAS)
Craniofacial defects (almond-shaped eyes, sunken nasal bridge, small flat midface)
Significant growth retardation before and after birth
Poor sucking behaviors in infants
Disrupted sleep behaviors
Tremors and abnormal reflexes
Delays in fine and gross motor behavior
Hyperactivity
Speech delays
Difficulties with verbal comprehension
CHARACTERISTICS OF “CRACK BABIES”
Tremors
Chronic irritability
Poor visual orientation
Strokes and/or seizures as infants
Smaller head circumference
Missing bowels
Violent tendencies
Hyperactivity
Learning difficulties
Little or no understanding of cause and effect
Aggression towards peers
Inability to play spontaneously
Impulsive
Distractible
Low Apgar scores
Apgar scores are indicators of the infant's status immediately after birth, including breathing, color, heart rate, muscle tone and overall behavior
TEACHING TIPS
Create
exploration and play activities for the child's development needs.
Links
National Resource Center for Respite and Crisis
Care Services
Fact sheet on children with prenatal drug
exposure
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Consequences of Prenatal
Drug Exposure - Internet Links
Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each person must be considered individually, and in many cases, a physician's written consent should be obtained. Developed by Texas Woman's University Graduate Adapted Physical Education Program in cooperation with Denton ISD (French, 1997).