Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a serious condition that can occur in children who were exposed to alcohol in utero.

“The only constant in children with FAS is the inconsistency of their developmental trajectories.”

Maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy creates a predisposition to addiction in the unborn child. The earlier in pregnancy the alcohol consumption occurred, the greater the risk that the child will develop the disorder in childhood or adolescence. The later in pregnancy alcohol consumption occurred, the more the onset of addiction is delayed. Alcohol crosses the placenta to the developing fetus.

By examining the “9 steps into life,” it is possible to determine when the alcohol misuse occurred and what limitations resulted. For example, hearing or vision may be impaired, as may organ function,