Living with FASD

Children born with FASD suffer from a range of birth defects, including cranial and facial abnormalities, neurological abnormalities and growth retardation. Fetal alcohol exposure is also the leading known cause of nonhereditary mental retardation.

FASD has lifelong implications. There is a broad range of characteristics to watch for at different ages.  It is important to be aware of developing traits and behavior patterns.  To access a list of typical signs of FAS/FASD from birth to adulthood visit http://www.nofas.org/living/strategy.aspx.

Strategies for Living
Coping with FASD is easiest when strong family, health care provider, educational and community support systems are intact.  Additionally, there are assistance options available, which are explained in length at http://www.nofas.org/living and include:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
• Medicaid
• Family Support Program
• Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program
• Adopting Children with Disabilities