What are the differences?
Using substances like alcohol or opioids during pregnancy can affect the fetus.
Drinking during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Using certain substances like opioids or meth can cause neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). While NAS is mainly linked to opioids (such as heroin, codeine, oxycodone, methadone, and/or buprenorphine), some prescription medications (like antidepressants) and illegal substances (such as meth) have been found to cause Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) as well.
Although both FASD and NAS are caused by substance use during pregnancy, there are many key differences between these two conditions.
One of the major differences is that NAS can be treated, but FASD is lifelong.
In this session tailored for professionals in all sectors:
We will examine the common symptoms of FASD and NAS.
We will consider things that are in bold that are seen in both conditions.
Not every person with prenatal substance exposure will have an FASD or NAS but how do we tell the difference?
Identify how alcohol & drugs are Neuro-Developmental Trauma
We will explore the huge impact of alcohol on the brain and its vulnerabilities
Examine how the alcohol informs the spectrum of need and its co-occurring conditions including Autism, ADHD, Learning Disabilities, Tourette’s etc
Review developmental milestones in the womb; compare the impact on the brain and explain the lifelong impact
Recognise the brain functions and how FASD impacts development
Illustrate the facial features of FASD and when these are formed
Examine the developmental divergence of peers
Good practice in multi-disciplinary teams and signposting to services
Good practice in neurodevelopmental support informs us that working towards being ‘Responsive’ includes empowering all members of the team who come into contact with child/ren with prenatal exposure to alcohol.
Find out more & to book please email us: info@fasdinformed.co.uk
©FASD Informed UK
Image with kind permission of one of our FASD Friend @Charlie Mackesy
