Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders might be more prevalent than thought. A recent study found 1% to 5% of first-graders in four communities were affected.
To broaden awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, the Academy is sharing a public service announcement on its YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6Zi2D2u8ZU. The 30-second announcement explains that prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading cause of learning disabilities in children.
Alcohol Awareness Month in April is a prime time to educate teens about the dangers of alcohol use during pregnancy, explain contraceptive options to reduce unplanned pregnancies and counsel families to prevent intergenerational fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Review the AAP clinical report on diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders at http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2016/07/25/peds.2015-4256 and AAP tools at http://bit.ly/FASDkitAAP.
