What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in Adults?

No. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is present at birth. However, adults who were exposed to alcohol before birth can experience lifelong symptoms and complications related to the condition.

The process for diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in adults typically includes a combination of medical and psychological assessments, including physical examinations, medical histories, cognitive and behavioral assessments. There are no blood tests or ultrasounds that will determine whether or not an individual has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Some individuals with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome do not receive intervention as a child, but adults will still benefit from treatment. Treatment for adults with FAS typically focuses on managing symptoms and providing support for cognitive, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. Treatment may include medication, therapy, and admission into a treatment center to overcome any mental health conditions that develop as a result of FAS.

The effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can be lifelong and often impact daily functioning. Some adults may require ongoing assistance with activities of daily living and may face challenges in employment, interpersonal relationships, or independent living. However, with treatment and support, many adults with this condition lead fulfilling, productive, and happy lives.

Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome often experience difficulties with social interactions due to impairments in social skills, emotional regulation, and cognition, which can make it difficult to form or maintain relationships. Many adults with FAS find themselves socially isolated or struggle in social situations. However, the appropriate interventions can help those affected by FAS develop and strengthen their interpersonal skills.

Due to cognitive and behavioral challenges, some adults may struggle to understand and comply with laws. Those with FAS who are involved in court cases often need specialized assistance to navigate legal proceedings.

Friends and family can support adults with FAS by providing emotional support, offering assistance with daily living activities, and helping them access appropriate treatment and support services.

Besides direct support, one of the most important ways someone can support a loved one with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is to educate others about the condition and reduce the associated stigma.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is not an inherited condition, as it is a direct result of exposure to alcohol while in utero.

The prevalence of FAS in adults is not well-documented, as many individuals with FAS may go undiagnosed or may not seek treatment for their symptoms. However, it is estimated that between 1-5% of the population may have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.[2]

One reason that many people with FAS go undiagnosed is the shame and embarrassment associated with having a child with the condition, or the fear that the child may be taken away.

Currently, there is no cure for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). However, early intervention and ongoing support and treatment can help manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with FAS. Treatment typically involves a multidisciplinary, holistic approach that includes behavioral therapy, medication management, and educational and social support, as well as group living arrangements.

Consumption of alcohol does not automatically mean that the child will be born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Many pregnant women consume alcohol while pregnant before knowing that they are pregnant, and no complications arise. However, any amount of alcohol puts the fetus at risk for birth defects.

The severity of FAS depends on several factors, including the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, as well as the timing of alcohol exposure.

Alcohol can have significant and lasting effects on the developing fetus, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy when many vital organs and structures are forming. Alcohol exposure can interfere with the development of the brain, organs, and other tissues.

When a pregnant woman drinks alcohol, it passes through the placenta and enters the fetal bloodstream. The fetus metabolizes alcohol more slowly than adults, which means that the concentration of alcohol in the fetus’s blood can be higher and remain elevated for longer periods of time.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can impact life expectancy. Studies have shown that those with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome live an average of 34 years, which is 42% of the life expectancies of the general population in the United States[2].

There is no known safe level of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Any amount of alcohol can potentially harm the developing fetus. It is recommended that pregnant women avoid drinking alcohol entirely during pregnancy.