Introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Researchers have long known that no amount of alcohol is safe for a pregnant woman to consume, as it can harm the infant. Its use during pregnancy can lead to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a condition with a wide range of symptoms, including:
Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Small head size
- Abnormal facial features, such as a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip (philtrum)
- Shorter-than-average height
- Low body weight
- Poor coordination
- Hyperactivity
- Attention difficulties
- Poor memory
- Learning disabilities
- Difficulty in school, especially with math
- Speech and language delays
- Intellectual disability or low IQ
- Poor reasoning and judgment skills
- Sleep and feeding problems in infancy
- Vision or hearing problems
- Heart, kidney, or bone issues
Economic Costs of FASD
Medical researchers at the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences have studied the economic costs of FASD and found significant financial impacts. Their findings include: • The total costs per person with FASD were estimated to be about $23,000 per year for children and $24,500 per year for adults (in 2017 dollars). • Costs for residential care were higher for children, while healthcare costs were higher for adults. • The average costs for special education were about $7,200 per year for children and $4,600 for adults. • FASD leads to substantial costs due to productivity losses, particularly among caregivers of children with FASD. • FASD also has high costs to the correctional and criminal justice systems.
Comparing Costs of FASD with Other Conditions
The estimated costs for children with FASD exceed those for autism ($23,000 versus $17,000), and the costs for adults with FASD are greater than those with diabetes ($24,000 versus $21,000). Adding it all up, researchers estimate that the lifetime cost per person with FASD is over $1.65 million.
Prevention and Treatment
FASD is an entirely preventable condition. According to the research team, the solution is straightforward: the U.S. must invest more in effective alcohol dependency treatment strategies, particularly targeting women of childbearing age who are at high risk.
Empower Health Group: Your Ally in Overcoming Alcohol Use Disorder
Empower Health Group, located in downtown Northampton, MA, is a sanctuary of empathy and comprehensive care for individuals struggling with alcohol abuse disorder or other substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health issues. Our fully equipped facility is committed to providing personalized day treatment programs that address the unique needs and goals of each person we serve. Our holistic approach integrates medical, therapeutic, and psychological interventions, including individual and group therapy, medication management, psychoeducation, and relapse prevention training, all delivered within a compassionate, judgment-free atmosphere. We’re not just a treatment center but your devoted ally, helping you grow stronger and build resilience during every step of your recovery journey. Please contact one of our Recovery Specialists if we can help you.