Families caring for children with fetal alcohol syndrome: the nurse's role in early identification and intervention.

Alcohol is a teratogenic substance that, when ingested during pregnancy, may cause the fetus to be born with a condition known as fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). FAS is a life-long condition that leads to serious primary and secondary disabilities. Holistic early identification and intervention for children with FAS and their families may ameliorate the secondary disabilities associated with FAS. Nurses working with families and young children could play a key role in early identification and intervention for children with FAS.