Protective Factors for Children with FAS

Several positive factors have been identified that might help reduce secondary conditions that result from fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Some of these protective factors are:

Early Diagnosis - Children with FAS who are identified early have an improved prognosis. A child who is identified early in life can be placed in appropriate educational classes and given access to social services that can help the child and his or her family. In addition, early diagnosis helps families and school personnel understand why the child might act or react differently from other children in some situations.

Involvement in Special Education and Social Services - Children who receive special education geared towards their specific needs and learning style are more likely to achieve their developmental and educational potential. Children with FAS show a wide range of behaviors and severity of symptoms. Special education allows for individualized educational programs. In addition, families of children with FAS who receive social services, such as respite care or stress and behavioral management training, have more positive outcomes than families who do not receive such services.

Loving, Nurturing, and Stable Caretaking Environment - While all children benefit from a loving and stable home life, children with FAS can be particularly sensitive to disruptions, transient lifestyles, or harmful relationships compared to children who do not have FAS. Community and family support are needed to prevent secondary conditions in individuals with FAS.

Absence of Violence - Individuals with FAS who live in stable or non-abusive households or who do not become involved in youth violence are much less likely to develop secondary conditions than children who have been exposed to violence in their lives. Children with FAS need to learn and be taught other ways of showing their anger or frustration.

Source:
Streissguth, A.P., Barr, H.M., Kogan, J. & Bookstein, F. L., "Understanding the Occurrence of Secondary Disabilities in Clients with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE)," Final Report to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), August, 1996, Seattle: University of Washington, Fetal Alcohol & Drug Unit, Tech. Rep. No. 96-06, (1996).

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