Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

The term "foetal alcohol spectrum disorder" (FASD) describes the variety of issues brought on by prenatal alcohol consumption (exposure to alcohol during pregnancy). Foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) include foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), Partial FAS. Alcohol-related neuro-developmental disorder (ARND) and Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD). Each of these disorders involves brain damage that leads to cognitive and behavioural problems, but FAS is the most well-known of the bunch due to the iconic craniofacial dysmorphologies and growth limitation brought on by early alcohol exposure in foetal life. This article discusses the causes, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, protective factors and management of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders.