The St. Cloud Hospital Fetal Alcohol Program helps diagnose children who may have lifelong effects as a result of prenatal exposure to alcohol.

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?
The term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an umbrella term describing the range of physical, developmental and behavioral effects that can occur in someone whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. FASD can include Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (P-FAS), Alcohol Related Birth Defects (ARBD) and Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND).

Is my child a candidate for this clinic?
Your child may qualify if:

• he or she is age 18 and under.
• there is evidence of prenatal exposure to alcohol.
• he or she has difficulties with mood, learning, aggressive or defiant behavior or delays in development.

What will the clinic test for?
A diagnosis of FASD requires a thorough health history, medical exam and comprehensive testing that is completed by a multidisciplinary team including psychology, psychiatry, genetics, occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.

This comprehensive evaluation will provide important information so families, teachers and health care providers can work together to support the child’s health and development. Information gathered includes:

• growth
• facial features
• brain development and functioning
• exposure to alcohol in utero

The evaluation occurs in two separate 4-5 hour sessions scheduled two weeks apart. The evaluation process consists of meeting with the following disciplines:

Where are these services located?
This clinic, one of only a handful in the state, combines the services of CentraCare Clinic and St. Cloud Hospital Pediatric Rehabilitation and Behavioral Health. For the ease of patients, all services are conveniently located under one roof at CentraCare Health Plaza. This service also includes collaboration with primary care physicians, parents, teachers and treatment providers.

How can I get more information?
For additional details, please call (320) 229-4945.