Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would first like to express my gratitude for my research supervisor, colleagues, peers and family whose immense and constant support has been a source of continuous guidance and inspiration.

DECLARATION

I [type your full first names & surname here], declare that the following dissertation/thesis and its entire content has been an individual, unaided effort and has not been submitted or published before. Furthermore, it reflects my opinion and take on the topic and is does not represent the opinion of the University.

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ABSTRACT

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is one of the most important issues facing the mothers all over the world. The first chapter provides introduction to the topic, followed by literature review in the second chapter. Chapter three presents methodology, while findings are presented in the fourth chapter. This mini-research paper concludes with the fifth chapter, providing implications for future research.



TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTii

DECLARATIONiii

ABSTRACTiv

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background of the Study1

Statement of the Problem1

Purpose of the Study1

Research Questions1

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW2

FAS Diagnostic Criteria2

Incidence and Prevalence2

Prevention of FAS3

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY4

Research Design4

Instrument Development4

Sample4

Procedure for the Living with FAS-Family Survey Instrument (LFAS-FS)4

CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION5

Instrument Analysis5

Health Services5

Perception of Professional Treatment5

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSIONS6

Interpretation of Findings6

Summary of Interpretations6

Limitations6

Implications and Future Study6

REFERENCES8

APPENDIX A: CONSENT FORM FOR SEMI-5TRUCTURED INTERVIEW9

APPENDIX B: SEMI-STRUCTURED INTERVIEW10

APPENDIX C: LIVING WITH FETAL ALCOHOL FAMILY SURVEY (LFAS-FS)11

APPENDIX D: TABLES13

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

FAS are recognized as one of the leading known causes of mental retardation and are totally preventable (Williams, 2006). However, mental retardation is not always present in children who have been exposed to alcohol in-utero nor is it always the most devastating result of FAS. Behavioral and social manifestations continue into adolescence and adulthood (Viljoen, 2008). These manifestations are often of great concern to the family and potentially more harmful than mental retardation to the individual with FAS.

Statement of the Problem

FAS are a lifelong developmental disability that is totally preventable. Because a certain percentage of women continue to drink during pregnancy, there are and will continue to be children born prenatally exposed to alcohol. Earty diagnostic labeling and intervention through services and support may be effective in the secondary prevention of disabilities that are identified with FAS. Conversely, the diagnostic labeling can have a negative effect on the individual and his/her family. Research on the effects of the diagnostic label on both services and families is necessary in order to expand the knowledge base of FAS and improve practice.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose of this study was to describe the types of health and educational services individuals with and without the FAS diagnostic label receive and to investigate their parents' perception of the effects the FAS diagnostic label has on their family. The lifelong cognitive, social, and behavioral developmental disabilities of FAS are becoming better known. It is believed that intervention with the children diagnosed with FAS and their families will assist each child in reaching his/her full potential and may ameliorate some of the secondary disabilities.

Research Questions

The following research questions were posed for this ...