Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

A baby exposed to alcohol in the wombmay have:

• a head that's smaller than average
• poor growth they may be smaller than average at birth, grow slowly as they get older, and be shorter than average as an adult
• distinctive facial features such assmall eyes, a thin upper lip, and a smooth area between the nose and upper lip, though these may become less noticeable with age
• movement and co-ordination problems, known as Cerebral palsy
• learning difficultiessuch as problems withthinking, speech, social skills, timekeeping, maths ormemory
• mood, attention or behaviouralproblemssuch as autism -like behaviour or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• problems with theliver, kidneys, heart or other organs
• hearing and vision problems

These problems are permanent, though early treatment and support can help limit their impact on an affected child's life.