Central Missouri Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Center
What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or FAS has been recognized as a public health problem and preventable birth defect since 1973. FAS is characterized by growth retardation (height and weight), facial abnormalities, central nervous system dysfunction, and maternal alcohol exposure. FAS babies are smaller than normal at birth, particularly in head size. They also tend to display learning disabilities and serious behavioral problems, including hyperactivity. A person who has some, but not all of the features of FAS is described as having Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder of FASD. FASD is not intended for use as a clinical diagnosis, but should aid individuals and their caregivers in understanding the disorder.
What are the Facts?
Prenatal alcohol exposure is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation and it has been estimated that one in every 500 babies born has FAS and it is expected that 150 babies born each year in Missouri will have FAS. Currently there is no known cure for FAS, but early intervention has correlated with a positive outcome. The involved costs of FAS patients are approximately $5.4 billion a year nationally, coming to $174,000 per patient. It has been found that the earlier in pregnancy a women can stop drinking, the better the outcome of the baby will be. In addition the younger the age at which an affected child is identified, the lower the frequency of secondary disablitlies.
About the Center
The first state center devoted to FAS began the summer of 2004 in Columbia, MO. The center, initially funded by part of a $2.1 million Cooperative Agreement fund (U84/CCU723301-02) from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, is focusing on the diagnosis of the syndrome, known as FAS, as well as education and prevention. The center provides diagnosis, referral and follow-up services for individuals suspected of having an alcohol-related condition and their families.
The grant will also provide funds for similar centers in Springfield and Cape Girardeau. The goal of the new FAS centers is to offer a place where individuals suspected of having an alcohol-related disorder can be evaluated by specialists, and their families can be provided support and be linked with resources in their own communities. This is especially important because FAS is a life-long condition and local services will be essential to the families. For more information check out the brochure for the center.
Who is the Staff?
The center in Columbia consist of five specialists - a pediatrician, specializing in genetics and dysmorphology, a neuropsychologist, a speech/language pathologist, a family advocate specialist, and a clinic coordinator. Beyond diagnosing a child with FAS, the staff will assist the family in locating therapists, doctors, psychologists, or other specialists needed to provide long-term care.
How do I Contact the FAS Center?
The Central Missouri Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Center currently will be open one day per month by appointment. To set up an appointment or to ask questions regarding the center, just call (800) 645-6164 toll free.
All calls will be going through the Missouri Teratogen Information Service (MOTIS).