Social Security Disability for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

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Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a serious birth defect that can occur when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol. 

What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

FAS is a group of conditions that are caused by exposure to alcohol during pregnancy. FAS can cause a range of problems, including physical, mental, and behavioral problems.

What are the Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

The symptoms of FAS can vary from person to person. Some people with FAS may have all of the symptoms, while others may have only some of the symptoms. The severity of the symptoms can also vary from person to person.

The most common symptoms of FAS include:

  • Abnormal facial features, such as a small head, small eyes, and a thin upper lip
  • Growth problems, such as being small for gestational age or being born prematurely
  • Central nervous system problems, such as problems with learning, memory, attention, and hyperactivity
  • Behavioral problems, such as poor impulse control, poor social skills, and aggression
  • Mental problems, such as intellectual disability, depression, and anxiety

How is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome diagnosed?

FAS is typically diagnosed after a child is born. A diagnosis of FAS is made based on the presence of certain physical and mental abnormalities.

The Types of FAS

There is no cure for FAS, but treatment can help improve the person’s quality of life. It is important to get early diagnosis and treatment.

There are four types of FAS:

  1. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). This is the most severe form of FAS. People with FAS have all of the physical, mental, and behavioral problems described below.
  2. Partial FAS (pFAS). This is a less severe form of FAS. People with pFAS have some, but not all, of the problems described below.
  3. Alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD). This is a term used to describe a range of birth defects that can occur when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol. These defects can affect any part of the body, but most often involve the heart, kidneys, or bones.
  4. Alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND). This is a term used to describe a range of problems with the nervous system that can occur when a pregnant woman drinks alcohol. These problems can affect the person’s learning, memory, and behavior.

FAS is a preventable condition. The best way to prevent FAS is to not drink alcohol during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks of drinking alcohol.

Social Security for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) as a disability. The SSA has a listing for FAS under Listing 112.11 in the Listing of Impairments for children. The SSA will automatically approve your child for disability benefits if your child meets the requirements of the listing.

To meet the requirements of the listing, your child must have the following:

  1. Growth deficiency. This means that your child’s height and weight are below the 5th percentile for age and gender.
  2. Central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. This means that your child has problems with the way the brain and nervous system work. These problems can include:
  3. Small head size.
  4. Abnormal brain structure.
  5. Abnormal brain function.
  6. Seizures.
  7. Sleep problems.
  8. Hyperactivity.
  9. Characteristic facial features. This means that your child has certain facial features that are often seen in people with FAS. These features can include:
  10. Small eyes.
  11. Flat midface.
  12. Thin upper lip.
  13. Smooth skin between the nose and upper lip.
  14. Documentation of these findings. This means that you must provide medical records that show that your child has these problems. These records can include:
  15. Clinical notes.
  16. Lab reports.
  17. Radiology reports.
  18. Psychological reports.
  19. School records.

If your child does not meet the requirements of the listing, the SSA will consider your child’s “residual functional capacity” (RFC). The RFC is a measure of what your child can still do despite their limitations.

Conclusion

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a serious condition that can have a profound impact on an individual’s life. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the condition, as well as the potential risks and complications associated with it. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. With early diagnosis and treatment, individuals with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome can lead happy and healthy lives.

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