Young adults with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): social, emotional and occupational development.

BACKGROUND

Maternal alcohol abuse during pregnancy causes physical, cognitive and behavioural impairments in the child. Deficits are irreversible and persist into adulthood. It was the objective of this study to investigate the specific problems and challenges faced by young adults with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS).

PATIENTS: We examined the biographical development and living situation of 60 adult patients with FAS. In their childhood, all the patients had been diagnosed with FAS in the Muenster University hospital.

METHODS

Using a structured interview, we asked for the occupational career, health and social problems as well as the current living conditions of the patients.

RESULTS

Most patients lived in dependent circumstances. The occupational development was characterized by disruption and failure, and severe social problems were common in patients. 3 in 4 patients were victims of physical and sexual abuse.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to the variety of impairments caused by prenatal alcohol exposure and the persisting inability to live independently, adults with FAS need intense care, support and assistance.