Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

[Daisybell1]

Hi ladies, I hope you don't mind me posting this here - its not adoption related, but I'm a long-time lurker on this board and I know that you are generally the voice of reason (especially with an emotive subject).

Can anyone recommend a good website with information about FAS (its symptoms, diagnosis etc etc)?

Thank you!

I'd start with FAS aware and the FASD trust

There's a great set of information sheets here from FAS aware, covering what FASD is, difference between FAS/FASD (look at glossary), what difficulties children can have, and how to support them - www.fasaware.co.uk/attachments/article/9/infosheets.pdf

Can you tell us why you would like information about FAS/FASD? It might help us find the best resources for you, obviously I understand if you don't want to

Thank you Lilka, I'll look there.

I'm concerned about a friend's daughter. My friend confided in me that she drank heavily during her pregnancy, and she is open that she believes her daughter has special needs.

I really hope this doesn't come across as I'm meddling/being judgemental and my friend is convinced her dd has autism, but its her alcohol consumption that has worried me (and the potential for her dd to have FAS).

A quick glance at that link and the similarities are startling

Two of my three daughters have FASD and yes the similarities to that and Autism are very striking.
To be honest, if your friends child is getting support, it really doesn't matter to much what the diagnosis is.
For her mother to admit that it was her alcohol consumption that caused this would be very difficult indeed.
The best thing you can do is be a supportive friend and not judge her.

Thanks Moo, that's a very good point, I hadn't realised that the support would 'work' regardless of the cause. I don't judge my friend (and I hope it didn't come across like that) I love her dearly, and have for many years.

I was a 1:1 aide to a little girl for many years. She was diagnosed as being on the autistic spectrum but...she had FAS. In the end it didn't matter as the behavorial/educational plan was the same.

Our children have FAS FASD now Adults in mid 20's both adopted, all children are effected differently. There is too much Negativity surrounding the condition, One should look at the positive's that can be achieved with early interventions and understanding, afraid every parent will have too do a lot of homework and fight their corner due too the complexity of the condition . It is a long hard journey . Our two are doing well as Adults both in full time employment and independent , never thought we would get there. DD has even given presentations too professionals in hospitals several times, doing more for the condition
than anyone can. There was nil support 25 years ago for us, things are moving on now., as can be seen on www.Fasawareuk Webb site as Lilka
quote's , this is run by Adoptive Parents of children with FAS FASD who are very knowledgeable and have years of experience like ourselves.
There is lots of information of Support groups and other UK FASD orgs on the Webb site.

Sorry, did not imply you were judging her, but reading my post. I can see that.
She needs to concentrate on the fact her child has a neurological condition, which needs support.
I am sure there are many children with FASD that have been diagnosed with a different condition.
Actually my dd2 was originally diagnosed with ADHD but it didn't sit right with me, although she would have got support with this.
Can you understand what I'm trying to say? The actual "label" to me is not what is important. More the help and support.

Thanks Moo, and sorry if I was a bit defensive there! I completely get your point about the support being the important bit.

I'm a naturally light drinker and have worried about my friend's consumption for years, but I realise I can be a bit of a prude about this.