Effects of fetal alcohol syndrome are typically problems that a person is not born with, but acquires as a result of the condition. These secondary effects may include mental health problems, trouble with the law, or alcohol and drug use. Although these long-term effects of fetal alcohol syndrome may be serious, they can be lessened or prevented through better understanding of the disorder and appropriate treatment for it.
Effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: An Overview
- Abnormal facial features
- Growth deficiency
- Central nervous system (CNS) problems.
A person with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is usually born with some, but not all, of the alcohol-related characteristics of fetal alcohol syndrome.
Secondary effects of fetal alcohol syndrome are problems that a person is not born with but that he or she might acquire as a result of fetal alcohol syndrome. These secondary effects include:
- Mental health problems
- Disrupted school experience
- Trouble with the law
- Inappropriate sexual behavior
- Alcohol and drug use
- Dependent living and problems with employment
- Problems with parenting.
These long-term effects of fetal alcohol syndrome can be lessened or prevented through better understanding of, and appropriate treatment of, fetal alcohol syndrome for children, adults, and their families.