Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The Effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome on Learning Development

Treatments and Interventions

Richard Phelps

University of New Mexico

Abstract

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a permanent defect that occurs during the prenatal stages of human development. The developing fetus is exposed to alcohol, via the mother, by either moderate drinking to high continuous levels of alcohol. This literature review will discuss Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and the effects that alcohol has on the developing fetus in-utero, the effects of this condition with learning disabilities in later life, as well as treatments for individuals of those affected, and preventive measures that should be addressed. There are eight published articles that were reviewed in order to obtain the information to discuss the severity of this condition that happens to be completely preventable.

The Effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome on Learning Development

and Treatments and Interventions

There are many different medical and mental health diseases and conditions that some individuals are born with. There are conditions such as, diabetes Down Syndrome and cancer, that can be passed down through genetics. Diseases such as these may be unavoidable and the individual must live with this disease or condition for the rest of his/her life. However, there is a condition, of mental retardation and physical deformities, that is completely avoidable. Unfortunately, many children are born with the condition of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a prevalent condition that plagues society and impacts a great deal of families. Children are exposed to alcohol during pre-natal development when the mother continues to consume alcohol during the pregnancy period, which in turn may cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a condition that affects mental and physical abilities of an individual due to being exposed to alcohol in-utero. An individual...