Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Center Started At IU School of Medicine

September 9 is International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness Day

INDIANAPOLIS -- Due to the number of cases of fetal alcohol syndrome seen at Riley Hospital for Children, faculty in the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at the Indiana University School of Medicine have established a center solely for diagnosis, education and resource referrals for FAS and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is one of the most preventable forms of birth defect, yet about one out of every 750 children born in the United States suffers from it. The March of Dimes estimates that another 35,000 to 50,000 babies are born each year in the U.S. with ARND.

David D. Weaver, M.D., professor of medical and molecular genetics, is director of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Center of Indiana. Others involved are Wilfredo Torres, M.D., clinical assistant professor of medical and molecular genetics, Laurence Walsh, M.D., assistant professor of medical and molecular genetics, Lola Cook, M.S., and Emily Lichtenberg, M.S, both certified genetic counselors.

"The whole point of the FAS diagnostic clinic is to diagnose children early and get them the appropriate care," said Lichtenberg. "Early detection and access to appropriate resources can be key to helping children with FAS."

Those resources may include referrals to pediatric psychiatrists, developmental pediatricians, speech therapists and physical therapists

Another goal for the center staff is to develop for physicians statewide a resource manual as a tool for earlier identification of affected infants and identification of at-risk mothers.

FAS is the leading cause of mental retardation, and individuals with FAS and ARND may struggle for a lifetime with problems such as attention deficit, lack of impulse control, poor judgment and memory. Fewer than 10 percent of individuals with FAS or ARND are able to successfully live or work independently.

Even with all the information available on the risks of drinking while pregnant, nearly 20 percent of woman continue to drink during pregnancy and 3.5 percent drink frequently. Most at risk for drinking while pregnant are women who smoke, are single, are in college or have a degree, and women in households with incomes greater than $50,000.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, taxpayers each year spend $1.9 billion to treat children and adults with FAS.

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For additional information on FAS Awareness Day or FAS and ARND see: http://www.come-over.to/FASCRC/ or http://www.come-over.to/FASCRC/.

For information about the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Center of Indiana, contact Emily Lichtenberg at 317-274-5737.

INDIANA UNIVERSITY
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317 274 7722

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317 278 8722