Kathy: thank you for inviting me.
Gigi: Kathy,I would like to start by asking what are the first signs of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?
Kathy: Some children have facial features that indicate signs of FAS.
andreas: greetings
Kathy: Also you can tell when they don't meet developemental milestones.
andreas: are the facial features the initial signs, or are there others?
Gigi: I know that children with Down Syndrom have distintive facial features, what type of features would stand out in a child with FAS?
Kathy: Some facial features are small curved ears, small slanteed eyes. n
Kathy: Sorry for the slow response
Gigi: If the child is not rolling over or sitting up around the expectied time, could that be a sign?
Kathy: Cries a lot and is not very responsive.
Kathy: That is mostly a sign of developemental delay.
Kathy: - has joined the chat -
Kathy: Not neccesarily FAS.
Gigi: Are there any typs of therapy that would be beneficial?
Kathy: - has joined the chat -
Kathy: I had difficulties and got disconnected somehow.
Kathy: Sorry.
andreas: We still on?
Kathy: yes.
Kathy: I don't know what happened?
andreas: Any specific advice for parents regarding education for AS children?
Kathy: Will you repeat the last question please?
andreas: FAS children
Kathy: Make sure you get the proper diagnosis.
andreas: A licensed psychologist would do that?
Kathy: Make sure that your school is aware of your child's diagnosis.
Kathy: Yes.
Kathy: The school may also do testing if requested.
Gigi: Has FAS ever been missed diagnosed for another syndrome such as Autism?
Kathy: If developemental delays are shown at school.
Kathy: No.
Kathy: Not to my knowledge.
Kathy: FAS is a very distinct condition.
Gigi: Could you give an expamel of a common behavior of FAS?
Kathy: Temper tantrums.
Kathy: Very moody and cries very easily.
Kathy: In school they can often be labeled as trouble makers.
Gigi: Are the tantrums any thing like a RAD child?
Kathy: No.
Kathy: In school they don't make friends easily.
Kathy: They are often misunderstood.
Kathy: The behavior is perceived as not comliant to rules, when in reality the child don't understand what
Kathy: instructions are given to them.
Kathy: They may have problems processing information and instructions.
Kathy: Structure is a must for FAS children.
andreas: Sound like what has been called Behavior Disorders
Kathy: yes.
Gigi: What type of disorders might come along with FAS?
Kathy: These children are often misdiagnosed because of their behavior.
Kathy: Slow growth and developement, impaired learning, attention problems., mental health problems.
andreas: What is the prognosis for an FAS child
andreas: What is the prognosis for an FAS child?
Kathy: Early diagnosis and treatment with medicines can improve long-term outcome.
Kathy: These children can thrive and lead productive lives with good support systems and early diagnosis.
Kathy: Parents should impower themselves with correct information about FAS and not listen people that stereotype FAS children.
Kathy: For instance, the behaviors that these children exhibit.
Gigi: What resources do you recommend?
Kathy: FAS parent support groups, Atlanta Alliance on Developemental Disabilites.
Kathy: Council on Alcohol and Drugs, Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Coalition of
Kathy: Georgia. Also the Marcus Institute is a great resource.
Kathy: There are two books for parents to read,
Kathy: Fantastic Antone Succeeds, and Fantastic
Kathy: Antone
Kathy: Grows up.
Kathy: I highly recommend these books. They have helped me greatly.
Kathy: Also you may go to www.aadd.org. as a resource.
Kathy: This is the Atlanta Alliance on Developemental Disabilites.
Kathy: Sorry.
Kathy: For help and treatment in your area call this number (1-800-822-2539).
andreas: Great info, Kathy. Thank you!
Gigi: Do you know of any therapy that might help? I have heard that horse therapy has helped many children with all types of syndromes and disorders.
Kathy: You're welcome. I hope I've said something that may help other parents.
Kathy: That is true. My son receives Horse Therapy and I have seen great results.
Kathy: Also we have had Family
Kathy: Counseling sessions with our therapist to help deal with the behaviors.
Kathy: Having good support sytems and resources can make all the difference.
Kathy: The
Kathy: book "Fantanstic Antone Succeeds" can be obtained the Georgia Center Lending Library.
Kathy: On this website.
Kathy: Any other questions?
andreas: Good info
Gigi: Kathy, thank you for all the info. You helped with some misunderstandings I had heard before.
andreas: - has left the chat -
Kathy: Thank you.
Kathy: Good night.
Gigi: Andreas, thanks for joining us.