g disabilities, and serious behavioral problems" (CDC and Prevention, 2001). Most pregnant women continue on their drinking and drug abuse throughout their pregnancy. They do not think ahead to the interminable damage that it could do to their fetus.The t

Caruso, K.. Fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effects. (1993). Minnesota

Halverson, Patricia, Ph D. (2000). Strategies for Parents and Caregivers of FAS

There is an increased risk of common birth defects associated with FAS. Of these chronic defects include congenial heart disease, abnormalities of the urinary tract and genitals, and spina bifida (Clarren, 1981). There are many different factors involved in fetal development in relation to FAS. The two things involved that stand out the most are teratogens and acetaldehydes (Clarren, 1981). Chemical or physical agents that produce fetal malformations are called teratogens. Most teratogens show selectivity towards certain organs, based on the timing of the embryo to the teratogen, the dosage taken, and the sensitivity of the dividing cells. Organs and limbs of the developing embryo are formed from collections of specialized cells. Exposure of an embryo to a teratogen during this period may have devastating effect on the formation of that organ." (Michaelis

Due to their poor social judgment, underdeveloped independent living skills, and impaired intellectual functioning, most FAS children will require a structured, sheltered living situation throughout their lives. (Halverson, 2000) The most severely affected may require a completely supervised and sheltered environment while the least affected can live mostly normal, happy lives.

Children with FAS/FAE typically have complex medical needs associated with their congenital abnormalities. Infants are at high risk for central nervous system problems, including a feeding and sleeping difficulties as well as failure to thrive. Birth control and sex education for adolescents with FAS are additional areas of medical concern. (Westcott, 1993) As adolescents, these children tend to be sexually curious, yet often lack understanding of socially appropriate sexual behavior. Thus, they are at higher than average risk for sexual victimization due to their impulsive behavior and poor social judgment. (Westcott, 1993)Children with FAS/FAE have special educational needs. Even very young infants can benefit from early stimulation programs to help with intellectual and motor development (Wellness Web, 1995). These programs are usually available, with some even offered at home by traveling therapists and educators.

fostering independence in self-help and play, giving child choices and encourage decision-making, focusing on teaching daily living skills, encouraging the use of positive self talk, having child get ready for next school day before going to bed, establishing simple rules, establishing routines so child can predict coming events, giving child lots of advance warning that activity will soon change to another one, establishing a firm routine, breaking their work down into small pieces so they do not feel overwhelmed, being concrete when teaching a new concept and showing them how to do things. (Halverson, 2000)

According to many physicians it is the leading cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities in the United States today (National Organization on FAS, 2000). Douglas A. Milligan states that, "FAS is the single greatest cause of mental retardation in the U.S. today" (as cited in Seachrist, 1995, p. 314). This condition results from the toxic effect of alcohol and its chemical factors on the developing fetus and its brain. The alcohol enters the bloodstream though the placenta and then the damage begins to occur. FAS consists of a characteristic pattern of abnormalities resulting from the exposure that the fetus has had with alcohol during early development.

Some common words found in the essay are:
Alcohol Syndrome, Wellness Web, FAS World, Resource Center, Michaelis Michaelis, Syndrome FAS, Children FAS/FAE, Patricia Halverson, Milligan FAS, Ann Streissguth, fetal alcohol, fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol syndrome, children fas, pregnant women, alcohol consumption, birth defects, national organization, streissguth 1997, web 1995, prenatal alcohol, wellness web 1995, national organization fetal, central nervous system, organization fetal alcohol,
Approximate Word count = 3388
Approximate Pages = 14 (250 words per page double spaced)