Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Alcohol use during pregnancy creates a range of physical, mental, and emotional challenges for children who are exposed to it before birth. Known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), its presence and impact are not always recognized and often misunderstood.

The many health and educational challenges that occur due to alcohol exposure before birth may appear at any time in childhood and last a lifetime. While working to shed light on this preventable health condition, Children's Service Center is here to help individuals and families improve life with FASD. Our goal is to enhance understanding, functioning and quality of life while addressing the stigma so often experienced by those affected. Many women have anxiety about drinking before they knew they were pregnant, or experience fear, shame, and blame, and may be reticent to seek medical care for their pregnancy or drinking. Our team has a deep understanding of public attitudes and the underlying experience of negative judgments across the life course for individuals with FASD and their families. We provide a safe, private setting to come forward for confidential support.

Services

Children's Service Center experts provide assessment, treatment, and support to help those with FASD address physical, educational, and social challenges, while renewing hope and setting a plan for better, brighter futures. Our team works to ensure that clients have clinical, psycho-social, and other resources to address challenges at home, school, and work. The ultimate focus for individuals and families is communication, acceptance, and tolerance to help people with FASD to reach their personal and professional goals.

FASD Signs & Symptoms

Alcohol Facts

• Luzerne County ranks 12th in the state for alcohol sales. Between 2022 and 2023, alcohol sales increased in Luzerne County (3.3%), and its contiguous counties of Lackawanna (3.6%), Monroe (3.3%), Carbon (3.3%), Schuylkill (3.9%), Columbia (2.4%), Sullivan (4.1%) and Wyoming (1.7%). Source: PLCB 2022-23 annual report
• One drink of alcohol is considered a 12oz can of beer, a 5oz glass of wine, or a 1.5oz glass of distilled spirits such as vodka, whiskey, rum, gin, brandy, tequila, and liqueurs.
• More than 10 percent of U.S. children (7.5 million) live with a parent with alcohol problems. (SAMHSA, 2017)
• One in 9 pregnant woman reported drinking alcohol in the last 30 days.
• About one-third of women reported binge drinking.
• Binge drinking is considered 4 drinks for women or 5 drinks for men in a 2-hour period.
• Alcohol causes more harm during pregnancy than heroin or cocaine.
• Alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable death in the United States.

FASD Facts

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects can include physical problems and problems with behavior and learning. Often, a person with FASD has a mix of these problems. - CDC

One in 100 babies have FASD, nearly the same rate as Autism. FASD is more prevalent than Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, SIDS, Cystic Fibrosis, and Spina Bifida combined. –FASD United

Alcohol use during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of birth defects, developmental disabilities, and learning disabilities. – FASD United

There is no cure for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and some symptoms will not appear until a child is school aged. - CDC

Can I Drink Alcohol While Pregnant?

No amount of alcohol is safe or beneficial during pregnancy. Even light drinking is dangerous to a growing baby. The smallest amount of alcohol can increase the risk of:

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Prematurity
• Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Discussion with Your Doctor

If you have consumed alcohol while pregnant, discuss these factors with your doctor.

• Frequency - how often you drink
• Quantity – how much you drink per occasion
• Timing – when in the course of your pregnancy did you consume alcohol in any form/quantity

Community Resources

Service Locations

Direct Contacts