Use of the term
FASD
©2003 Teresa Kellerman
(updated
May 2006)
FASD = Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
FAS = Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
pFAS = Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
FAE = Fetal Alcohol Effects (now called ARND)
ARND = Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorders
ARBD = Alcohol Related Birth Defects
Static Encephalopathy = Brain damage that doesn't
get better or worse
These terms are explained here: http://www.come-over.to/FAS/whatisfas.htm
Dr. Ed Riley or San Diego State University, a
leading researcher on FASD, was asked to clarify use of the term FASD.
This is my understanding of what he said: FASD is a term that encompasses ALL disorders
caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. FASD is not a diagnosis. FASD does
not replace FAS. It does not replace FAE or ARND. FASD is an umbrella term
that includes FAS, FAE (no longer used), pFAS, ARND, ARBD, Static Encephalopathy.
The problem is not in the use of the terms. The
problem is in the lack of acceptance of ARND as a legitimate diagnosis
of a serious neurological disorder - especially by the medical profession. It
is good to use the term FASD as a collective term, when referring to a group
of individuals. It is proper to refer to a specific child's diagnosis as
FAS or ARND. Examples: Many children are born with Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorders. My son John has a Fetal Alcohol
Spectrum Disorder. My son is diagnosed with FAS.
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