Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

08/18/2004 at 9:00 a.m.

Usually, children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), or Fetal Alcohol Effect (FAE) struggle their whole lives: they can have problems learning and getting along with others, they can't maintain relationships, and they can have IQ’s as low as 85. A new study from the University of Washington has found that early diagnosis and a loving, stable home can help children with FAS and FAE. Dr. Ann Streissguth, the lead researcher on the study, is a pioneer in the field of FAS and FAE. She says that if children with FAS and FAE can learn behavior patterns that allow them to thrive early on, they have a much better chance of becoming happy, successful adults. We discuss Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effect this hour on Weekday.

Guests:
Dr. Ann Streissguth Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, and Director of the recent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Study
Kathy Mitchell National Spokesperson and Vice President, National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (NOFAS)