Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

Table of contents

Introduction……………………………………………………………1

Definition of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)………………………..1

Characteristics of FAS…………………………………………………1

Affect of alcohol on the brain………………………………………….1

Affect of FAS on babies………………………………………………..1

The role the South African context has played in FAS………………...1

Conclusion……………………………………………………………...1

Reference List……………………………………………………….…1

Introduction

Upon conducting researching for this topic it was discovered what a common and devastating disorder this is and that it knows no boundaries in terms of race, educational level or socioeconomic status or the fact that South Africa has the highest rate of Foetal Alcohol Syndrome in the world!

The draft South African liquor bill released on Monday, 06 February 2012, will prohibit the sale of alcohol to pregnant women if it is passed. This is the first time that the South African government has proposed legislation to assist controlling the alcohol intake of women (Liquor Surprise for Pregnant Women, 2012). Is this enough though to meaningfully diminish the consumption of alcohol by pregnant women in South Africa? Within this context the following questions will be addressed in this assignment:

1. What is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome?

2. How is FAS characterised?

3. How does alcohol affect the brain?

4. How does FAS affect a baby?

5. What kind of role has the South African context played in FAS?

1. Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Explained

Foetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a lifelong, most common non-genetic yet preventable set of physical, mental and neurobehavioral birth defects associated with alcohol consumption during pregnancy and is the leading known cause of mental retardation and birth defects. (Stratton, K., Howe, C., & Battaglia, F., 2004)

The South African National Council on Alcoholism defines FAS as a term used to describe children who have growth

References: