Foetal alcohol syndrome or FAS, also known as Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, can occur when a baby has been exposed to excessive alcohol during pregnancy.
Symptoms and characteristics
People with foetal alcohol syndrome generally have distinctive facial features, central nervous system changes, altered growth patterns and hearing, speech and language can also be affected.
Common symptoms of FAS that can extend into adulthood can include:
- behavioural difficulties such as hyperactivity, being easily distractible and inattentive
- impaired fine motor coordination or movement difficulties due to muscle contractures
- learning difficulties
- impaired memory
- impaired ability to interact socially
- mental health conditions, such as depression.
Distinctive physical features can include:
- small head circumference or microcephaly
- flattening around the middle of the face with an upturned nose
- extra fold of skin on the inside corner of the eye, referred to as an epicanthal fold
- flattening of the curve at the top of the ear
- thin top lip
- small jaw
- a finger or toe being permanently flexed or ‘tucked’ under
- the fifth finger, or other digits, bending towards the other fingers
- contractures of other joints, such as elbows and knees
- heart abnormalities.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Within the workplace, specific differences in those with foetal alcohol syndrome would need to be considered and alterations to the workplace or work practices made accordingly. Some suggestions may include:
- to assist with maintaining attention, placement in a work role that they have an interest in, at a level consistent with skills
- avoidance of work areas with potential safety risks such as machinery with moving parts, driving of machines or working at heights, if impulsive or have difficulty concentrating
- use of memory aids such as computer prompts, task cards or job lists, step by step picture task breakdown or use of an alarm as a reminder
- consideration given to adaptation of tools or equipment to assist with fine motor control
- adaptation of workspace and equipment to assist in overcoming any physical barriers to performing work.
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2011, Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 26 March 2012, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Fetal_alcohol_spectrum_disorder?open#.
The University of New South Wales 2010, UNSW Embryology—Abnormal Development—Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, viewed 26 March 2012, http://embryology.med.unsw.edu.au/Defect/page5a.htm.