Frequently Asked Questions about FASD

Back to Top

How common are FASDs?

Overall, FASDs affect an estimated 40,000 babies every year in the United States. Statistics for specific disorders (all U.S. figures):

• FAS affects between 5 and 20 per 10,000 live births. Among some Native American tribes, the rate is as high as 15 to 25 per 10,000.
• FAS, ARND, and ARBD combined affect at least 100 per 10,000 live births.

Fore more information:

• What You Need to Know: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders By the Numbers
• What You Need to Know: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Among Native Americans

Back to Top

How are FASDs prevented?

FASDs are 100% preventable. The only sure way to prevent FASDs is to totally avoid alcohol while trying to get pregnant, during pregnancy, or after having unprotected sex where it was possible to get pregnant. Current research shows that no amount of alcohol is sure to be safe to drink at any time during pregnancy.

For more information:

• What You Need to Know: Preventing FASD
• Think Before You Drink (English-language brochure)
• Think Before You Drink (Spanish-language brochure]

Back to Top

Does heavier drinking during pregnancy cause more harm to the baby?

No amount of alcohol during pregnancy is guaranteed to be safe. However, it is true that women who drink heavily during pregnancy increase the risk of alcohol-related damage to their babies.

For more information:

• Alcohol Binges Early in Pregnancy Increase Risk of Infant Oral Clefts
• Occasional Binge Drinking During Pregnancy Seen Harmful

Back to Top

Issues for Families

How are FASDs diagnosed?

Diagnosing FASDs can be difficult. If a birth mother drinks during pregnancy, being honest with her doctor will help avoid a wrong diagnosis. For the child, the earlier the diagnosis the better. A doctor can make a diagnosis alone, but may also seek opinions from other experts. The best treatment for FASDs will involve a range of healthcare professionals, such as psychologists, speech pathologists, social workers, and certain kinds of therapists.

For more information:

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Guidelines for Referral and Diagnosis
• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Diagnosis, Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment

Back to Top

Can FASDs be cured?

No, FASDs cannot be cured, but with proper diagnosis, treatment, and a support network of family and friends, many people with an FASD can learn coping skills and lead happy lives.

Back to Top

Are FASDs genetic or hereditary?

There is no evidence that FASDs are hereditary or genetic. In other words, FASDs do not "run in the family."

Back to Top

Can an FASD be passed along through breast milk?

Alcohol in breast milk is not linked to FASDs. However, when a woman who is breastfeeding drinks alcohol, some of that alcohol does enter her breast milk. Research shows that alcohol in the milk can harm a child's development, sleep, and learning.

For more information:

Alcohol’s Effect on Lactation

Back to Top

What costs are associated with FASDs?

• The estimated lifetime cost of caring for a person with an FASD is between $1.4 million and $1.5 million.
• For one individual with FAS, the most severe form of FASD, the lifetime cost is estimated at $2 million. The overall costs of FAS for our nation as a whole may be as high as $6 billion each year. These estimates do not include costs such as time lost from work, the burden on families, and poor quality of life.

For more information:

• The Financial Impact of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Back to Top

What are the main concerns for parents and family of a child with an FASD?

Parents of children with FASDs face unique challenges. A child with an FASD may get into trouble or act out, they may need to be told things many times, and they may do things without understanding the consequences. When they get older, they may not be able to live alone.

However, studies have shown that early diagnosis and a stable, positive environment can improve the outlook for people with an FASD. Several groups have developed materials to help parents and family members.

For more information:

• What You Need to Know: Independent Living for People With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
• The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Educational Resources
• Can I Catch It? (brochure for siblings)

Adoptive parents can refer to:

• What You Need to Know: Adopting and Fostering Children With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Back to Top

For a printer friendly version, select here to download FASD FAQs in Adobe PDF format.

PDF files require the free Adobe Acrobat Reader