Effects of alcohol: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, brain damage at NOFAS
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National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, Protecting children and families by fighting the leading known cause of mental retardation and birth defects
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Treating Individuals Affected with FASD
Identifying Individuals with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Screening Patients for Alcohol Use
FAS and FASD Clinical Indicators
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“When he was eight, our son Dalante's second grade teacher said to us, 'I think this child has FAS.' At this point in time, we had been involved in social systems, medical systems, psychiatric systems and educational systems, and yet this was the first time that FAS had been brought up. We're hopeful to get an accurate diagnosis. He is a wonderful little boy. We fear for his future. He is extremely naïve. He is extremely sweet. He would be the ideal drug runner. He would be the ideal child to be taken advantage of and this has already happened with food fights in the cafeteria: somebody gives him a dime and promises to be his friend, so he takes the blame.”
Francine White

Health Care Professionals

A 15 year study conducted by the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) found 12% of pregnant women reported drinking alcohol in the last month with 2% of pregnant women binge drinking during that same time period.  Furthermore, 52.4% of women aged 18-44 report drinking alcoholic beverages in the past month.  Women in their childbearing years are drinking more than ever.  With this in mind, it is important to assess your patient’s consumption of alcohol and to screen all women of reproductive age to identify those at risk for misuse of alcohol.  Brief interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing alcohol use and have been effective in various setting such as primary care offices and emergency rooms.  You can make a difference by reducing alcohol misuse and preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).  Below are a variety of resources to post around the office or to hand out to patients.  On the left side of the browser are links that contain information to help treat individuals with FASD, identify patients exposed to alcohol prenatally, and to screen patients for alcohol abuse.

Professional Guidelines

Helping Patients Who Drink Too Much: A Clinician's Guide (NIAAA)

FAS: Guidelines for Referral and Diagnosis (CDC)

Recommendations to Improve Preconception Health and Health Care--United States

 

Patient Education Materials

Below you will find posters and educational material designed to educate patients about the effects of drinking during pregnancy and to prevent women from drinking during their pregnancy. 

 

NOFAS Posters

These materials can be given to patients to remind them what a drink is.  Many patients are unaware that wine, beer, wine coolers, and some mixed drinks contain alcohol.  Also, a fetal development chart can be useful to give to pregnant women to reinforce the idea that there is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy.

Fetal Development Chart

What is a Drink?

What is a Drink? (Spanish)

NOFAS/NIAAA Campaign Posters

These materials are great to post in various locations such as the Doctor’s office, waiting rooms, patient rooms, hallways, and clinics. 

African American Baby

African American Couple

African American Women

Caucasian Baby

Caucasian Couple

Caucasian Women

Latino Baby

Latino Couple

Latino Women

Native American Women

Brain Model

This brain model displays a brain with prenatal exposure to alcohol as compared to a normal brain.  This can be used to educate patients and students about the effects of alcohol on the developing brain.

FAS Brain Card

NOFAS Loop Tape

An educational video on FASD with information from professionals as well as personal stories from families living with the issue.  This 10 minute loop can be played in a setting such as the waiting room or can be used as an educational tool.  

*All materials above can be ordered from NOFAS. Download order form or call NOFAS at (202) 785-4585 or +1 (800) 66NOFAS to order*


Additional materials available on the internet

CDC FASD Brochures

CDC FASD Fact sheets

National Clearinghouse on Alcohol and Drug Information

SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence

Copyright 2001-2004 National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome