Ways To Effectively Treat Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a type of medical condition that can occur if a baby's mother drank alcohol during her pregnancy. Depending on the kind of FASD a baby has, they may experience physical abnormalities, memory issues, learning disabilities, hyperactivity, or intellectual disabilities. Even minuscule amounts of alcohol consumption during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder often occurs because a woman drank alcohol without realizing she was pregnant. Though a person with FASD will have to deal with symptoms of their condition throughout their life, there are ways to reduce their severity. Here are a few of the most effective options for treating fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Medication

Not every child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder will need this treatment option, but in some cases, it can be helpful. Most prescriptions will be to treat the hyperactivity associated with FASD. In general, the most effective treatments for hyperactivity are stimulants similar to those that treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Antidepressant selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also sometimes prescribed. These are traditionally used to treat depression, but for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder patients, SSRIs help to deal with the compulsive behaviors, aggression, and outbursts associated with the condition.

Stimulants and SSRIs are often prescribed together because they address common problems while canceling out each other's side effects. There are countless other antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, and anti-anxiety medications that can be effective in some situations. You will have to talk to the doctor to find a treatment plan that works for your situation.

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Behavior And Education Therapy

Early intervention treatment options are particularly important since they can help to deal with the developmental delays associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. During this time, behavior and education therapy can help your child learn important tasks. There can be an extensive range of behavioral issues FASD patients face, including diminished focus, hyperactivity, poor judgment, and impaired critical thinking. Proper therapy provides the support your child needs to flourish despite these symptoms.

During behavioral therapy sessions, your child can learn coping methods that help them to fulfill their potential despite the issues this condition causes. Since children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder often learn at a slower rate, they may need more focused educational intervention. Having a dedicated teacher who can explain concepts at your child's rate will ensure they are not left behind.

Continue to learn about another form of therapy as treatment for FASD.