Raising a Child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Drug Exposure

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are serious concerns for adoptive parents. Dr. Julian Davies, one of the world’s leading experts on FASD and adoption, and a pediatrician at The Center for Adoption Medicine and the University of Washington’s FAS Clinic, talks about the risks of adopting a child with FAS, the symptoms of FAS and what treatment is available for parents raising children with FASD.

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What are the biggest determinants on how much impact either alcohol or drugs will have on a child (quantity, type of drug, when in the pregnancy)?
What increases the risk that children will be affected by maternal drinking?
What is the difference between prenatal alcohol exposure and prenatal drug exposure?
What are warning signs that the birthmother might have drank during pregnancy?
What are symptoms in infants that indicate they might be suffering from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or prenatal drug exposure?
What countries pose the highest risk of FAS in international adoption?
What are the rates of FAS in private domestic adoptions and foster care adoption?
What are the behaviors typical to children with FAS?
How can parents treat FAS and related symptoms?
When should parents test children for FAS and other neurological delays?
Won’t vs. Can’t – Reframing tools by Diane Malbin
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Consultation, Education and Training Services (FASCETS)
What is the long-term prognosis for children with FAS that receive help and are in a stable, nurturing home?
What are the options for interventions for children with FAS?