Secondary Conditions Associated with FAS

Secondary conditions are problems that a person is not born with, but might acquire as a result of FAS. These conditions can be lessened or prevented through better understanding of and appropriate interventions for children and adults with FAS and their families.

The following are some of the secondary conditions that have been found to be associated with FAS:

Mental Health Problems - Several studies have shown an increased risk for cognitive disorders, psychiatric illness, or psychological dysfunction among individuals with FAS. The most frequently diagnosed disorders are attention problems, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); conduct disorder; alcohol or drug dependence; depression; or psychotic episodes. Other psychiatric problems, such as anxiety disorders, depression, eating disorders, and posttraumatic stress disorder, have also been reported for some patients.

Disrupted School Experience - Children with FAS are more likely than most children to be suspended, expelled, or drop out of school. Difficulty getting along with other children, poor relationships with teachers, and truancy are some of the reasons that lead to their removal from the school setting. Many children with FAS remain in school but have negative experiences because of their behavioral challenges.

Trouble with the Law - Teenagers and adults with FAS are more likely than those who do not have FAS to have interactions with police, authorities, or the judicial system. Difficulty controlling anger and frustration, combined with problems understanding the motives of others, result in many individuals with FAS being involved in violent or explosive situations. People with FAS can be very easy to persuade and manipulate, which can lead to their taking part in illegal acts without being aware of it.

Inappropriate Sexual Behavior - Individuals with FAS are more likely than individuals who do not have FAS to exhibit inappropriate sexual behavior, such as inappropriate advances and inappropriate touching. Being a victim of violence increases the risk of participating in sexually inappropriate behavior.

Alcohol and Drug Problems - Studies suggest that more than a third of individuals with FAS have had problems with alcohol or drugs, with more than half requiring inpatient treatment.

Dependent Living and Problems with Employment Over 21 Years - Adults with FAS generally have difficulty sustaining employment or living independently as productive members of their communities.

Problems with Parenting - Individuals with FAS who experience some of the other problems described here are more likely to become parents compared to individuals who do not have FAS. For example, an individual who has FAS may have poor judgment and poor impulse control as a result of primary brain dysfunction. These factors, combined with a secondary condition of alcohol dependence, may result in unprotected sex and pregnancy. This can possibly lead to another generation of babies at risk of prenatal alcohol exposure. Individuals with FAS who become parents are more likely to have a history of having lived in unstable homes, more likely to have been homeless, more likely to have run away from home, and more likely to have experienced domestic violence compared to individuals with FAS who do not become parents.

Source:
Streissguth, A.P., Barr, H.M., Kogan, J. & Bookstein, F. L., "Understanding the Occurrence of Secondary Disabilities in Clients with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE)," Final Report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), August, 1996, Seattle: University of Washington, Fetal Alcohol & Drug Unit, Tech. Rep. No. 96-06, (1996).

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The National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) promotes the health of babies, children, and adults, and enhances the potential for full, productive living.  Our work includes identifying the causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities, helping children to develop and reach their full potential, and promoting health and well-being among people of all ages with disabilities.