A NUMBER of personality and learning traits are associated with children exposed to alcohol during foetal development.

A NUMBER of personality and learning traits are associated with children exposed to alcohol during foetal development.

These have been observed by parents, teachers, and clinicians.

But there are a multitude of other factors that are also associated with these traits, including birth trauma, family history, child abuse, nutrition, chemical exposure, and socio-economic status.

Some of these behavioural patterns might be reversible with intervention and others not. Traits that are associated with brain damage, however, are permanent and irreversible.

Children with FAS at pre-school and kindergarten:

lAre easily influenced by others; gets into trouble by following misbehaving peers, or are "put up to misbehaving" by others who recognise their vulnerability.

lHave difficulty separating reality from fantasy.

lSuffer temper tantrums.

lExperience delayed physical, academic and social development, characterised by difficulty in interacting.

lSuffer memory loss or information retrieval problems.

lAre impulsive and hyperactive with violent behaviour manifested through 'harmful acts' such as stone throwing.

lExhibit inappropriate social behaviour.

lNeed constant and consistent learning and teaching. - From FASFacts