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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffThe psychological and emotional problems associated with fetal alcohol syndrome can be difficult to manage. Families and children with fetal alcohol syndrome may benefit greatly from the support of professionals and other families who have experience with FAS. Ask your doctor or public health nurse for local sources of support for families and children with FAS.
As a parent of a child with fetal alcohol syndrome, you may find the following suggestions helpful in dealing with behavioral problems associated with the syndrome:
- Implement daily routines to which your child can become accustomed.
- Create and enforce simple rules and limits.
- Point out and use rewards to reinforce acceptable behavior.
- Because many children with fetal alcohol syndrome are vulnerable, guard against their being taken advantage of by others.
- Teach your child skills for daily living.
A stable, nurturing home is the single most important factor in protecting children with FAS from some of the problems they're at risk of later in life, including drug abuse, dropping out of school and encounters with the juvenile justice system.
If you've given birth to a child with fetal alcohol syndrome, you may benefit from substance abuse counseling and treatment programs that can help you conquer your misuse of alcohol.
- Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasask.htm. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Sielski LA. Infants of mothers with substance abuse. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed April 10, 2009.
- Effects of alcohol on a fetus. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. http://download.ncadi.samhsa.gov/prevline/pdfs/SMA07-4275.pdf. Accessed April 11, 2009.
- Drinking alcohol during pregnancy. March of Dimes. http://www.marchofdimes.com/printableArticles/14332_1170.asp. Accessed April 9, 2009.
- Understanding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Getting a diagnosis. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. http://fasdcenter.samhsa.gov/documents/WYNKDiagnosis_5_colorJA_new.pdf. Accessed April 9, 2009.
