This microscopic image demonstrates the differences between normal neurons (bottom) and those treated with alcohol (top). The neurons in the top row have damaged dendrites, which receive neurological information. When the dendrite process is stunted, it affects a child's ability to learn.
University of Arizona photo

Educating young people is a key to prevention.
Chambless, of the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, said his organization is seeking funding for a massive education campaign.
He said for $35, a video and a teacher's guide can be provided to a school, educating students about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy.
"For $1 million, we could get this into every high school in America," Chambless said. "And it could make an immense difference. Unlike other health problems, this is 100 preventable."
Tucson psychologist Patricia Tanner Halverson said she believes the alcohol industry should be charged for the damage it causes.
Noting that sexual ../images in alcohol advertisements encourage people to drink, she said ads for alcohol should be closely monitored.
"It should be illegal to tie in alcohol with sexuality," said Tanner Halverson, who works with children with FAS and FAE.
"The media message is that alcohol is good for you. It's sexy. It makes you successful, and a desirable person. They are selling sex, and sex makes babies."
Lisa Hawkins, vice president for communications for the Distilled Spirits Council in Washington, D.C., disagrees.
She said members voluntarily agree to not infer in ads that alcohol enhances sexual prowess.
She said advertising is not to blame for alcohol abuse.
"There is no evidence that alcohol advertising causes an individual to begin drinking or abuse alcohol," Hawkins said. "We have always encouraged women to consult their physicians regarding alcohol use."
But Tanner Halverson said the liquor industry should pay to help get out the word about the dangers of drinking. And she said warnings on bottles are not enough.
Individuals must take responsibility for spreading the word, as well, she said.
"Tell your sisters. Tell your mothers. Tell your aunts. Tell your cousins. And tell the men, too.
"Tell all the people you can. We have to do something to stop this."