The cause of fetal alcohol syndrome is chronic alcohol or drug consumption during pregnancy. Every time a pregnant woman drinks, the alcohol passes through the placenta to the unborn child. Alcohol is more harmful to the fetus than the mother because of the unborn baby’s small size and rapid growth rate. Once a fetus has FAS, the physical and mental damage is irreversible.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is totally preventable. No alcohol means no FAS. A pregnant woman shouldn’t abuse drugs either. There is evidence that indicates an occasional glass of wine or beer is not dangerous, but no usage is recommended.

The ages most affected are newborns. It effects all races and all socio-economic groups.

Fetal alcohol effects (FAE) are a lesser set of the same symptoms, which make up fetal alcohol syndrome. It occurs in ten out of every seven hundred fifty birth a year. FAE is just as serious as FAS.

Two bills are pending in Congress concerning FAS, the “Comprehensive fetal alcohol syndrome prevention act,” was introduced by Senator Thomas A. Dascle. “It would direct the department of health and human services to establish prevention and awareness-raising programs and conduct research on FAS.”(Neonatology 92) people should act upon this matter."The warning labels on alcoholic beverages should be more aggressive.”(American Family Physician 241) There should also be regulations regarding alcohol advertising on television and radio to include preclearance by public health agencies. If we act now the FAS ratings will go down along with other disorders related to it.

Therapeutic interventions must focus on all areas of development. Frequently, the child’s behavior becomes the target, without consideration of the child’s degree of sensory, emotional and social levels of development. Although a clear plan for addressing behavior is necessary, focus on meeting the child’s needs. Many times the disorganized, aggressive, or self-abusive behavior the child is presenting stems from an under-aroused or over-aroused central nervous system (CNS). Children with fetal alcohol syndrome have difficulty taki

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