Dresden. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It is the most common congenital disability. Experts estimate that around 14,000 children are born in Germany every year with alcohol damage, around 700 in Saxony alone. Over the entire lifespan, around 80,000 people in the Free State live with FASD. “A hidden widespread disease,” says Dr. Melanie Ahaus, spokesperson for the State Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Doctors with a practice in Leipzig. “Many people are not aware of the risks of consumption during pregnancy, even of the smallest amounts,” says Dr. Heike Hoff-Emden from the “Social Pediatric Center Leipzig Early Help.”
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On the occasion of the Day of the Alcohol-Damaged Child on September 9, Hoff-Emden is calling for an improved early detection system in practices: “For those affected and their families, it is vital that FASD is detected as early as possible and that an overall concept for this lifelong disability is developed with all professionals involved in therapy facilities, authorities, daycare centers and schools.”
Often problems in everyday life
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
FASD can affect the body, mind and psyche. Patients are often smaller than average and have facial abnormalities, but above all, brain development suffers. Even in childhood, they are often impulsive and have learning and regulation problems. Later, due to their intellectual disability, those affected have difficulty managing everyday life independently, learning a profession or maintaining a daily structure. Dealing with money and appointments also causes problems. The specific brain damage also means that they are often involved in criminal acts – as victims and perpetrators, according to the State Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Doctors.
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The earlier FASD is recognized, the sooner a stable, informed and supportive environment can be created. But the diagnosis is complex, many patients remain undiagnosed, and neurological disorders in particular often go unnoticed in early childhood. Those affected sometimes have to go through a years-long odyssey through doctors’ offices before they finally receive a diagnosis, says Melanie Ahaus.
It is a hidden widespread disease.
Dr. Melanie Ahaus
Spokesperson for the State Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Doctors
Late diagnosis and lack of support are not only tragic for those affected, but also result in high subsequent costs for social and medical treatment for society.
LVZ
Fetal alcohol syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A Hidden Widespread Disease in Germany
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a congenital disability caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It is a pressing issue in Germany, with experts estimating that around 14,000 children are born every year with alcohol damage, approximately 700 of which are in Saxony alone. Over the entire lifespan, around 80,000 people in the Free State live with FASD. According to Dr. Melanie Ahaus, spokesperson for the State Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Doctors, FASD is “a hidden widespread disease” (<p class="TextstyledText-sc-1cqv9mi-0 gqSIEH”>…
).
The Importance of Early Detection
On the occasion of the Day of the Alcohol-Damaged Child on September 9, Dr. Heike Hoff-Emden from the “Social Pediatric Center Leipzig Early Help” is calling for an improved early detection system in practices. Early detection is crucial, as it allows for the creation of a stable, informed, and supportive environment for those affected (<p class="TextstyledText-sc-1cqv9mi-0 gqSIEH”>…
). Unfortunately, the diagnosis of FASD is complex, and many patients remain undiagnosed, with neurological disorders often going unnoticed in early childhood.
Prevalence of FASD in Germany
According to a study, the prevalence of FASD in Germany is estimated to be around 1% [[1]]. Another study estimates the incidence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) in Germany to be around 0.41% [[3]]. The German diagnostic criteria for FASD are stricter than those in other countries, such as Italy [[1]].
German Guideline for Diagnosis
The German guideline for the diagnosis of FASD provides evidence-based, clinically relevant, and easily applicable diagnostic criteria and recommendations [[2]]. This guideline aims to facilitate early detection and diagnosis of FASD, enabling timely intervention and support for those affected.
Impact of FASD on Everyday Life
FASD can affect the body, mind, and psyche, leading to a range of challenges in everyday life. Patients often have learning and regulation problems, are impulsive, and have difficulty managing everyday life independently. They may also struggle with dealing with money and appointments, and are often involved in criminal acts as victims and perpetrators [[…]].
FASD is a significant public health concern in Germany, with a high prevalence and a need for improved early detection and diagnosis. By raising awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy and promoting early intervention, we can work towards creating a more supportive environment for those affected by FASD.
References:
Fetal alcohol syndrome face
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A Hidden Widespread Disease
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, resulting in physical, mental, and behavioral impairments in affected individuals [[1]]. It is estimated that around 14,000 children are born in Germany every year with alcohol damage, with approximately 700 cases in Saxony alone. Over the entire lifespan, around 80,000 people in the Free State live with FASD.
The Impact of FASD
FASD can affect the body, mind, and psyche, resulting in a range of symptoms and challenges. Physically, patients may be smaller than average and have facial abnormalities. However, the most significant impact is on brain development, leading to intellectual disability, learning and regulation problems, and impulsive behavior [[2]]. As a result, individuals with FASD may struggle with everyday tasks, such as managing finances, keeping appointments, and maintaining a daily structure. They may also be more likely to be involved in criminal activities, either as victims or perpetrators.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of FASD is crucial to provide those affected with a stable, informed, and supportive environment. However, the diagnosis is complex, and many patients remain undiagnosed, particularly in early childhood. Neurological disorders may go unnoticed, leading to a prolonged and frustrating journey for those affected, who may have to visit multiple doctors’ offices before receiving a diagnosis.
The Need for Improved Early Detection Systems
On the occasion of the Day of the Alcohol-Damaged Child on September 9, Dr. Heike Hoff-Emden from the “Social Pediatric Center Leipzig Early Help” is calling for an improved early detection system in practices. This would enable professionals involved in therapy facilities, authorities, daycare centers, and schools to develop a comprehensive concept for this lifelong disability.
A Call to Action
FASD is a “hidden widespread disease,” says Dr. Melanie Ahaus, spokesperson for the State Association of Pediatricians and Adolescent Doctors. It is essential to raise awareness about the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, even in small amounts, to prevent FASD and support those affected. By promoting early detection and providing a supportive environment, we can improve the lives of individuals with FASD and their families.
Conclusion
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a serious and debilitating condition that requires attention and action. By understanding the impact of FASD, promoting early detection, and providing support, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected. Let us work together to raise awareness and support individuals with FASD and their families.
References:
[1] <a href="https://www.dkfz.de/de/krebspraevention/Downloads/pdf/FzA/FoA2023Fetal-Alcohol-Spectrum-Disorder.pdf”>Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
[2] Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and differential diagnosis
[3] Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Scholarship Terms & Conditions
