Treatment and healing

Because FAS is a permanent diagnosis, treatment options are lim-

ited. Some deformities can be changed with surgery, but others

cannot. Psychotropic medication can help some behavioral and

mental health issues.

The majority of babies and children with FAS are raised by relatives

of the birth mother, foster parents, or adoptive families.

Helping babies diagnosed with FAS includes aiding in forming

attachment with the caretakers, as well as either stimulating or

calming the central nervous system. Massaging a baby with FAS

can help you accomplish both.

It may be hard to identify a newborn with FAS. Withdrawal symp-

toms may not occur until the baby is home from the hospital.

Also, many of the identifying characteristics do not show up until

2 to 3 years of age. If you are adopting or have a foster child whose

mother has a history of alcoholism, you may want to assume the

baby could have at least a mild case of FAS. Assuming the possibility

of FAS at least ensures that you will carefully monitor the growth

and development of your baby.

If your baby has been diagnosed with FAS, keep these things in

mind:

-

 You want to practice attachment parenting and use as many of

the attachment parenting tools as possible (see Chapter 1).

-

 Children with FAS seem to do well with families who are low

key, quiet, and stable.

-

 You need to set consistent boundaries and serve as a role

model.