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The Florida Center Opens State's First Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic and Intervention Clinic

Posted on: Thursday, 22 September 2005, 09:01 CDT

SARASOTA, Fla., Sept. 22, 2005 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Florida Center for Child and Family Development has opened the state's first and only Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic and Intervention Clinic to diagnose people with alcohol-related disorders, known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the most common and severe of the disorders.

A common misconception is that only alcoholic women have children with FAS. According to a study released from the Centers for Disease Control, the population most at risk is women of child-bearing age with a college degree and earning an average of $50,000 per year.

Chief Operating Officer for The Florida Center, Kathryn Shea, said the need for this clinic is crucial. "FAS is the leading known cause of mental retardation in western civilization. The saddest part is it is 100-percent preventable."

Through state funding, the new clinic will provide 40 statewide diagnostic evaluations, and statewide FASD training to approximately 200-300 participants. Twenty-five children and their families from Sarasota will also receive intervention services such as occupational therapy, mental health care and case management.

How does FASD affect our society?

-- Florida spends more than $78 million each year to provide special education and juvenile justice services to children ages 5-18 affected by FAS, an estimated $914,183 per day.

-- 60% of individuals with fetal alcohol-related disorders will have trouble with the law. The younger the child is diagnosed or identified and appropriate interventions and services are initiated, the higher the probability they will live independently and function well in society.

-- Over 50% of women of child-bearing age drink alcohol, and only 39% know what FAS is.

-- Each year in the U.S., between 35,000 and 40,000 babies are born with a fetal alcohol-related disorder.

For more information on the clinic, call 941-370-8820 or visit www.thefloridacenter.org. The Florida Center supports healthy development and strengthening relationships within families and communities.

Media Note: We have families throughout the state with personal experiences in dealing with children suffering from FAS. Several have video documentation of their children's behavior. Please contact Terri Behling, behling@kscadvpr.com or 941-906-1555 for interview requests.

Fact Sheet

The Truth about Alcohol and Pregnancy

Is there a safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy or a stage in pregnancy where small amounts of alcohol would be okay?

-- There is no known safe amount of alcohol or safe time to drink alcohol during pregnancy

What are Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)?

FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioral, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. FASD is not a clinical diagnosis; it refers to conditions such as:

-- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), most common -- Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) -- Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD)

If it is known that the birth mother of a child consumed alcohol during pregnancy, trained professionals will look for the following signs that may indicate FAS:

-- Low birth weight -- Small head circumference -- Failure to thrive -- Developmental delay -- Organ dysfunction -- Facial abnormalities, including smaller eye openings, flattened cheekbones, and an underdeveloped groove between the nose and the upper lip -- Learning difficulties, including poor memory, language comprehension and problem-solving skills o Behavioral problems including hyperactivity, inability to concentrate, social withdrawal and anxiety

Can someone with a fetal alcohol-related disorder be treated?

-- There is no cure; however, if diagnosed or identified early, a child can get services that can help him or her lead a more productive life

CONTACT: The Florida Center for Child and Family Development Lucy Nicandri 941-371-8820 ext. 1030

Copyright © 2005 PrimeZone Media Network, Inc.

Source: PrimeZone Media Network

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