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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
What Is FASD?
FASD refers to a group of birth defects, physical conditions, and developmental disorders that result from brain injury caused by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). There is no cure for FASD, and they are lifelong conditions.
FASD is not a specific term and in itself is not a clinical diagnosis. FASD have a range of clinical presentations, including, but not limited to:
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Birth defects affecting the eyes, heart, kidneys, and bones
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Neurocognitive deficits: executive function, intelligence quotient (IQ)/cognition, learning, memory, and visual-spatial impairments
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Self-regulation problems: challenges with sleep, self-soothing, controlling anger, attention span, and impulse control
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Adaptive skills deficits/delays, including social, language, gross/fine motor, and daily living skills
No amount of alcohol consumption is safe during pregnancy.
How Common Is FASD?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), it is difficult to determine how many children, teens, or adults have an FASD. However, several studies suggest that 1% to 5% of children in grade school in the U.S. might have an FASD. Less than 20% of these children will meet all the criteria for a full diagnosis of FASD.
Consuming alcohol while pregnant is common in the U.S. The AAP reports that 1 in 9 people report drinking during pregnancy within the past 30 days. And about one-third of pregnant people who reported using alcohol engaged in binge drinking (having 4 or more drinks at a time).
Comparing statistics on alcohol use during pregnancy, we see some disturbing New Mexico data.
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In the U.S., 8.4% of pregnant people report current alcohol use, according to the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (2023 data).
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In New Mexico, 23.4% of pregnant people report first-semester alcohol use, according to FASD United (2023 data).
People who have a substance use disorder are more likely to give birth to children with FASD. However, most children with FASD are born to parents who do not have a substance use disorder. A person may consume alcohol before they even know they are pregnant.
NMPS Flyers for Providers and Patients
We've created two FASD flyers: one for pediatric healthcare providers, and one for providers to share with patients. Download the flyers by clicking the links below.
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): What Providers Should Know
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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): Get the Facts
AAP Toolkit for Providers
To support families living with FASP and guide them to appropriate care and resources, the AAP offers an FASD toolkit for providers. The toolkit includes sections on:
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Screening and assessment
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Diagnosis
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Supervision
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Practice management
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FASD services and supports – including a New-Mexico-specific resource guide
In addition, you'll find:
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Definitions
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FAQs
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Podcasts
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Professional development information
Important Note for Providers
FASD is not a named condition for Medicaid waivers, and is not a recognized definition for developmental disability in New Mexico. As a result, people living with FASD are eligible for State of New Mexico services only when they have been diagnosed with a related recognized disorder, such as ADHD.rs, and is not a recognized definition for developmental disability in NM
Resources for Families Living with FASD
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FASD United – a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering people with FASD and PAE