Sansita Bhatta
Case study presentation on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Client Profile
• Name: Daniel
• Age: 10 years old
• Gender: Male
• Family History: Mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. The father is not present
in the child's life. The child is currently living with his maternal grandmother.
• Diagnosis: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Symptoms:
• Characteristics of the body include narrow vermillion borders, short palpebral
fissures, and a smooth philtrum (CDC, 2024).
• Delays in growth and development, defined as being smaller than the 10th percentile
in terms of height, weight, and head circumference (CDC, 2024).
• Problems with reading, writing, and arithmetic are examples of learning difficulties.
• Problems with behavior include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and violence.
• Deficiencies in executive function include difficulties in planning, organizing,
and finding solutions to problems.
Medical History
The client was diagnosed with FASD at the age of 5. He has a history of:
• Growth problems: He has consistently been in the lower percentile for height
and weight.
• Facial abnormalities: He has smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, and small eye
openings, which are characteristic of FASD.
• Neurological issues: He has poor coordination, hyperactive behavior, and difficulty
with attention.
Educational History
The client is currently in the 4th grade. He has been struggling academically due to:
• Learning disabilities: He struggles with concepts in math and reading. He also
has challenges with coordination, hyperactive behavior, and difficulty with
attention.
• Behavioral issues: He often has trouble following rules and instructions and has
been suspended from school multiple times for disruptive behavior.
, FASD Diagnosis Criteria
The client meets the following criteria for FASD:
• Confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure: The mother admitted to drinking
during pregnancy.
• Characteristic facial features: As mentioned above, the client has several facial
features that are characteristic of FASD.
• Growth problems: The client's growth has consistently been below average.
• Neuro-behavioral impairment: The client has several neurobehavioral issues,
including poor coordination, hyperactivity, and attention problems.
Treatment and Management
The client's treatment plan includes:
Pharmacologic: There are no drugs that have been authorized by the FDA to treat FASD. On the
other hand, certain drugs, such as those used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) or anxiety, could be of assistance in the treatment of symptoms. Antidepressants (e.g.,
SSRIs) can be used if depressive symptoms are present (CDC, 2024). Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
for ADHD symptoms. Methylphenidate can help improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and
impulsivity, which are common in children with FASD (Pharmacologic Interventions in Fetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, 2021). Studies have shown that stimulant medications can be
effective in managing ADHD symptoms in children with FASD, although careful monitoring for
side effects is necessary (Pharmacologic Interventions in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders,
2021).
Non-pharmacologic:
• Early intervention services: These services can help children with FASD develop
their skills and reach their full potential.
• Behavior therapy: This type of therapy can help children with FASD learn how
to manage their behavior (CDC, 2024).
• Medical care: Regular check-ups to monitor his growth and development.
• Family support services: To provide the grandmother with resources and support.
• Training in social skills: It is a sort of therapy that may be helpful for children who
have FASD in learning how to interact with other people in a healthy way (Social Skills
Training (SST), n.d.).
• Educational support: Children with FASD may need additional support in school, such
as one-on-one tutoring or a smaller classroom setting.
Referrals
Neuropsychologist: Patient could benefit from a referral/collaboration with a
Neuropsychologist.
Case study presentation on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Client Profile
• Name: Daniel
• Age: 10 years old
• Gender: Male
• Family History: Mother consumed alcohol during pregnancy. The father is not present
in the child's life. The child is currently living with his maternal grandmother.
• Diagnosis: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Symptoms:
• Characteristics of the body include narrow vermillion borders, short palpebral
fissures, and a smooth philtrum (CDC, 2024).
• Delays in growth and development, defined as being smaller than the 10th percentile
in terms of height, weight, and head circumference (CDC, 2024).
• Problems with reading, writing, and arithmetic are examples of learning difficulties.
• Problems with behavior include impulsivity, hyperactivity, and violence.
• Deficiencies in executive function include difficulties in planning, organizing,
and finding solutions to problems.
Medical History
The client was diagnosed with FASD at the age of 5. He has a history of:
• Growth problems: He has consistently been in the lower percentile for height
and weight.
• Facial abnormalities: He has smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, and small eye
openings, which are characteristic of FASD.
• Neurological issues: He has poor coordination, hyperactive behavior, and difficulty
with attention.
Educational History
The client is currently in the 4th grade. He has been struggling academically due to:
• Learning disabilities: He struggles with concepts in math and reading. He also
has challenges with coordination, hyperactive behavior, and difficulty with
attention.
• Behavioral issues: He often has trouble following rules and instructions and has
been suspended from school multiple times for disruptive behavior.
, FASD Diagnosis Criteria
The client meets the following criteria for FASD:
• Confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure: The mother admitted to drinking
during pregnancy.
• Characteristic facial features: As mentioned above, the client has several facial
features that are characteristic of FASD.
• Growth problems: The client's growth has consistently been below average.
• Neuro-behavioral impairment: The client has several neurobehavioral issues,
including poor coordination, hyperactivity, and attention problems.
Treatment and Management
The client's treatment plan includes:
Pharmacologic: There are no drugs that have been authorized by the FDA to treat FASD. On the
other hand, certain drugs, such as those used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD) or anxiety, could be of assistance in the treatment of symptoms. Antidepressants (e.g.,
SSRIs) can be used if depressive symptoms are present (CDC, 2024). Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
for ADHD symptoms. Methylphenidate can help improve attention and reduce hyperactivity and
impulsivity, which are common in children with FASD (Pharmacologic Interventions in Fetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, 2021). Studies have shown that stimulant medications can be
effective in managing ADHD symptoms in children with FASD, although careful monitoring for
side effects is necessary (Pharmacologic Interventions in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders,
2021).
Non-pharmacologic:
• Early intervention services: These services can help children with FASD develop
their skills and reach their full potential.
• Behavior therapy: This type of therapy can help children with FASD learn how
to manage their behavior (CDC, 2024).
• Medical care: Regular check-ups to monitor his growth and development.
• Family support services: To provide the grandmother with resources and support.
• Training in social skills: It is a sort of therapy that may be helpful for children who
have FASD in learning how to interact with other people in a healthy way (Social Skills
Training (SST), n.d.).
• Educational support: Children with FASD may need additional support in school, such
as one-on-one tutoring or a smaller classroom setting.
Referrals
Neuropsychologist: Patient could benefit from a referral/collaboration with a
Neuropsychologist.
