FASD FACTS

• FASD is the leading known preventable cause of mental impairments and birth defects.

• FASD affects 1 in 100 live births or as many as 40,000 infants each year

• An individual with fetal alcohol syndrome can incur a lifetime health cost of over $800,000.

• Children do not outgrow FASD. The physical and behavioral problems can last a lifetime.

• FAS and FASD are found in all racial and socio-economic groups.

• FAS and FASD are not genetic disorders. Women with FAS or affected by FASD have healthy babies if they do not drink alcohol during their pregnancy.

• Estimates are as high as 1900 children age 19 or younger are living in Macomb County that have FASD. Many will not be diagnosed. Many do not have the facial features that lead to an early diagnosis. FASD is often termed the “invisible disability”. However, the behaviors and difficulty processing information will be very apparent and often mis-diagnosed.

• 70% of foster children will have FASD to some varying degree.

• For those living with FASD, early detection and delivery of services is essential. Without it, the risk of secondary disabilities increases.