Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Alcohol use during pregnancy can result in a range of lifelong physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges for children exposed before birth. These conditions are collectively known as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Because the signs and symptoms can vary widely, FASD is often unrecognized or misunderstood.
FASD refers to a group of conditions that may affect individuals whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. The effects can include physical health concerns, learning and developmental disabilities, and behavioral or social challenges. Many individuals with FASD experience a combination of these difficulties, each requiring understanding, compassion, and individualized support.
At Children’s Service Center, we are committed to helping individuals and families navigate life with FASD through comprehensive, respectful, and confidential care.
How We Help
We support individuals and families by:
- Enhancing understanding, daily functioning, and overall quality of life
- Addressing and reducing the stigma often experienced by those affected
- Providing a safe, private environment where individuals and families can seek confidential support
Our multidisciplinary team collaborates to address the health and educational challenges associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. These challenges may emerge at any stage of childhood and can continue into adulthood. We are dedicated to providing ongoing, coordinated care tailored to each individual’s needs.
Services & Support
Our services include:
- Comprehensive assessment and individualized treatment to address physical, educational, and social challenges
- Care planning to ensure access to clinical, psychosocial, and community-based resources that support success at home, in school, and in the workplace
- A team-centered approach grounded in communication, acceptance, and respect, empowering individuals with FASD to pursue their personal and professional goals
Signs & Symptoms of FASD
FASD can present differently in each individual. Possible signs and symptoms may include:
- Low body weight or shorter-than-average height
- Small head size
- Distinct facial features
- Poor coordination
- Hyperactivity
- Difficulty with attention and focus
- Poor memory
- Learning disabilities, including challenges with mathematics
- Academic difficulties
- Speech and language delays
- Intellectual disability or low IQ
- Difficulty with reasoning and judgment
- Sleep or feeding difficulties in infancy
- Vision or hearing concerns
- Heart, kidney, or bone abnormalities
If you have concerns about a child’s development, early evaluation and intervention can make a meaningful difference.
Contact Us
Summer Krochta
Vice President of Programs
- 570-825-6425 x7522
- skrochta@e-csc.org
Jessica Sachs
FASD Educator/Family Peer Support
- 570-825-6425 x7461
- jsachs@e-csc.org
Additional Resources
Luzerne & Wyoming Counties Drug and Alcohol Programs
- 111 North Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701
- 570-826-8790
SAMHSA National Helpline
- Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
- TTY: 1-800-487-4889
- 1054 31st Street NW, #204, Washington, DC 20007
- 202-785-4585
- Call 211
Healthy Moms
- Phone: 570-955-7821
- Text “healthymoms” to 555888