FAS stands for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, which is a condition that develops in a fetus when a pregnant person drinks alcohol. FAS is the most severe type of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs), which is a group of conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. FASDs refer to a collection of diagnoses that represent the range of effects that can happen to a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. These conditions can affect each person in different ways, and can range from mild to severe.

The signs and symptoms of FAS can vary, and one person might have only a few, while another person could experience all of them. People with FAS have central nervous system (CNS) problems, minor facial features, and growth problems. They might have problems with learning, memory, attention span, communication, vision, or hearing. They might have a mix of these problems. People with FAS often have a hard time in school and trouble getting along with others.

Diagnosing FASDs can be hard because there is no medical test, like a blood test, for these conditions. To diagnose FASDs, doctors look for prenatal alcohol exposure and central nervous system involvement. Doctors also look for a mix of physical, behavioral, and cognitive problems in the child.

FASDs last a lifetime and there is no cure for them. However, treatments can help manage the symptoms. These include medicines to help with some symptoms, medical care for health problems, behavior and education therapy, and parent training. A good treatment plan is specific to the childs problems and should include close monitoring, follow-ups, and changes when needed. Certain "protective factors" can help reduce the effects of FASDs and help people who have them reach their full potential.