Alchohol consumption in pregnancy causes damage

GEORGE NEWS - International Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day is commemorated annually on 9 September to create awareness among women and communities on the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

This day also aims to shed light on the challenges and difficulties for both the mom and the child diagnosed with FASD. The theme this year was "Beyond all limits".

"Alcohol consumption during pregnancy results in a number of neurological, physical and mental conditions," says Michelle Jenkins, occupational therapist at George Hospital.

"A child with foetal alcohol syndrome often presents with coordination difficulties, hyperactivity, poor judgement, poor impulse control, delayed gross motor development, sensory hypersensitivity and low frustration toleration."

According to staff nurse Dornay Ceasar, these children are usually seen for assessment and then referred to the patient's nearest clinic for follow-up. The inclusive education team may become involved to assist with school placement, if indicated.

"Encounters with children who have been diagnosed with FASD can be extremely challenging as they tend to display extreme emotions of playfulness and happiness or extreme emotions of irritation and anger," says Ceasar.

Nurse Anne-Marie Syfers says when caring for children diagnosed with FASD and other underlying conditions associated with the disorder, it is important that you are patient and interact with them on their level.

"At George Hospital, through occupational and physiotherapy, we aim to improve fine and gross motor control through activities such as playing, building, climbing and more. We also address sensory sensitivity depending on the main areas of concern that the parents of children with FASD and schools are reporting."

Parents must be part of therapeutic team

Jenkins says it is essential that the parents form part of the therapeutic team who work with these children as the children are dependent on good carry-over of the exercises addressed in an occupational or physiotherapy session into the home environment.

"Therapy unfortunately cannot 'cure'; instead it helps address challenges faced and can assist the family in developing coping strategies."

She says it can be difficult for moms to admit that they have consumed alcohol during pregnancy. Syfers and Ceasar provide these mothers with emotional support and refer them to the social worker or occupational therapists at George Hospital where the mother and child can undergo treatment and develop coping strategies.