Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

Foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a condition encompassing a range of disorders and malformations in babies born to women who consumed alcohol (often in large quantities) during their pregnancy. It is the leading non-genetic cause of mental impairment.

Facial abnormalities in children affected by FAS

Children with FAS can have facial abnormalities including short palpebral fissures, a flat midface, a thin upper lip, an indistinct philtrum and short nose, low ears and a small head circumference.

Other abnormalities

In addition to distinct facial characteristics, children with FAS can also be affected by:

  • stunted growth,
  • neurological disorders,
  • delayed psychomotor and mental development,
  • behavioural disorders,
  • brain disorders and individual birth defects.

Consequences for children with FAS

Children with FAS frequently present with:

  • learning difficulties,
  • motor dysfunction,
  • hyperactivity and other behavioural problems,
  • hearing problems,
  • psychomotor delay.

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