Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Psychology notes

 Fetal Alcohol Syndrome  (FAS)       Psychology notes

Discovery of FAS

- early 1970’s U.S.A.’S Dr Ulleland noticed that babies were born normal but did not develop properly.  She noticed that the babies did not nurse well, were irritable and she was noticed that the mothers drank to access.

- Drs Smith and Jones (physicians) in 1973 visiting  Seattle, noticed a pattern amongst the babies and were the first to describe FAS.

- Dr Lemoine (1969) , physician published the exact symptoms and outcome but did not receive credit because the publication was not written in the English language but in the French language.

Characteristics:

    1.  Growth retardation (SGA) (and don’t recover – small throughout childhood).

    2.   Facial dysmorphology

    3.   evidence of cenral nervous system damage and reduced IQ.

    The above three characteristics are all requirements for FAS.

Most common facial features

1.  Short palpebral fissures (small opening for eyes)

2.  Epicanthal   folds – little flaps of skin on inner part of eye.

3.  Absence of philtrum –dent from nose to upper lip.

4.  thin upper vermilion (colour part of lip-upper quite thin).

5.  short nose, low bridge

6.  Micrognathai (small chin) – most involve center part of face (what they have in common is the center line.

To be continued     -  with Brain anomalies