Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)Â is an umbrella term which describes a continuum of permanent birth defects caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioural, and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications.
The most common birth defect associated with FASD is central nervous dysfunction, and children prenatally exposed to alcohol may present with cognitive, behavioral, and psychological dysfunction resulting in lifelong disabilities. Abnormal cognitive functioning manifests in a variety of domains, including mathematical deficiency, difficulty with abstract concepts such as time and space, and inability to see the relationship between cause and effect, as well as comprehension and memory deficits. FASD is a physical disability with behavioral symptoms often demonstrated by poor attention and concentration skills, impaired judgment, hyperactivity, and impulsivity.
It is very important to as early as possible identify these conditions, because timely treatment and rehabilitation may help to prevent subsequent complications and improve the outcomes. If early intervention do not start in time, additional problems that were not visible after birth may emerge: 90% have mental health problems, 60% had learning difficulties, 60% have problems with compliance with the law, 50% had inappropriate sexual behavior, and 45% use drugs or alcohol.
FASD is still neglected health problem in Lithuania. There is no developed model of FASD diagnosis, prevention, treatment, early rehabilitation, special education for children who have FASD or support to their families. Situation is more or less similar in all Baltic countries. This strongly complicates children’s health and developments in our region.
Due to existing FASD diagnostic problems in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, it is difficult to determine how many children have FASD. It is estimated that in countries where women consume alcohol during their reproductive period between 2 and 5 percent newborns have these disorders. Unfortunately all three Baltic countries fulfill this condition. Considering these circumstances, eventually in 2012 from 609 to 1523 babies with FASD were born in Lithuania, from 398 to 995 in Latvia and from 281 to 703 in Estonia. Without proper diagnosis and no special assistance to them and their families these children do not receive care and education they need.
