Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a group of lifelong physical, behavioral, and learning problems that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. When a pregnant woman drinks, alcohol crosses the placenta and enters the baby’s bloodstream. The fetus is exposed to similar levels of alcohol as the mother, but the baby’s developing organs—especially the brain—are far more vulnerable to damage.

In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, healthcare providers at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health routinely counsel patients on alcohol use in pregnancy and help families affected by FASD.

How Alcohol Affects a Developing Baby

Alcohol is a known teratogen (a substance that can cause birth defects). It can interfere with the normal growth and development of the fetus at any stage of pregnancy.

Possible effects of prenatal alcohol exposure include:

  • Increased risk of miscarriage, stillbirth, or early infant death
  • Changes in the development of the baby’s face, resulting in certain characteristic facial features
  • Poor growth before and after birth
  • Damage to the developing brain and nervous system
  • Problems with organ development (heart, kidneys, bones, etc.)

Not all babies exposed to alcohol during pregnancy will develop FASD, but the risk of harm is highest when:

  • Alcohol use is frequent or heavy
  • Binge drinking occurs (drinking several drinks in a short period)
  • Alcohol use continues throughout pregnancy

National health organizations, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state that no amount of alcohol is known to be safe during pregnancy. For women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, not drinking alcohol is the safest option.

Why an Accurate FASD Diagnosis Matters

A correct diagnosis of FASD is important for several reasons:

  • It helps children get appropriate medical, educational, and behavioral support
  • It guides families and schools in understanding the child’s needs
  • It allows healthcare providers to counsel parents about future pregnancies and prevention
  • It helps connect families with local support services in Grand Rapids and Kent County

Main Features Used to Diagnose FASD

Clinicians in Grand Rapids—often developmental pediatricians, neurologists, or specialized FASD clinics—look for three main features:

  1. Documented prenatal alcohol exposure
  2. Characteristic facial features (in some, but not all, cases)
  3. Central nervous system (CNS) problems, including learning, behavior, and developmental challenges

Facial Features Associated With FASD

Some individuals with FASD have distinct facial characteristics, which may include:

  • Short horizontal length of the eye opening (from the inner to the outer corner)
  • A smooth philtrum (the usually ridged area between the upper lip and the nose)
  • A thin upper lip

These features are not present in every child with FASD. A diagnosis can still be made without them if there is clear evidence of prenatal alcohol exposure and brain-related difficulties.

Learning, Behavior, and Developmental Problems

Children with FASD may grow and develop differently from their peers. Learning and behavioral challenges can include:

  • Growth problems

    • Slow growth before birth
    • Poor weight gain and height growth after birth

  • Cognitive and learning difficulties

    • General learning difficulties
    • Memory problems
    • Slow cognitive processing (slower thinking and problem-solving)
    • Difficulty with abstract concepts such as math, money, and time

  • Attention and behavior issues

    • Limited attention span and easy distractibility
    • Hyperactivity or symptoms similar to ADHD
    • Impulsiveness and acting without thinking
    • Difficulty relating actions to consequences

  • Communication and social challenges

    • Difficulty following multi-step instructions (may repeat them verbally but struggle to carry them out)
    • Challenges with social relationships and understanding social cues

Other findings that are more common in children with FASD can include:

  • Congenital anomalies (birth defects) of the heart, kidneys, bones, or other organs
  • Poor coordination and motor skills delays
  • Sensory processing issues (over- or under-sensitivity to sound, touch, or light)

In severe cases, FASD may be recognized at birth. More often, the diagnosis is made later—often in preschool or elementary school—when learning or behavioral problems become more obvious. Some individuals are never formally diagnosed, which can limit their access to helpful supports.

Children Grow at Different Speeds

All children in Grand Rapids develop at their own pace, and variations are normal. However, if you are concerned about your child’s growth, learning, or behavior, it is important to seek professional advice.

You can start by:

  • Talking with your primary care provider or pediatrician (for example, at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health clinics)
  • Contacting the Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for developmental screening resources
  • Asking your child’s school or Early On Michigan about developmental evaluations and special education services

FASD Is Lifelong—but Support Can Help

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a lifelong condition and cannot be cured. However, early diagnosis and the right support can significantly improve outcomes and help individuals with FASD reach their full potential.

With proper support, people with FASD can:

  • Improve their learning and daily living skills
  • Develop better coping and behavioral strategies
  • Increase their independence
  • Participate more fully in school, work, and community life in Grand Rapids

Treatment and Support Approaches

Treatment programs are individualized and usually coordinated by a developmental pediatrician or a multidisciplinary team. Care may involve:

  • Medical care

    • Regular follow-up with a pediatrician or family doctor
    • Management of associated conditions (such as ADHD, anxiety, or sleep problems)
    • Stimulant medications or other treatments when ADHD symptoms are present

  • Educational support

    • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in Grand Rapids-area schools
    • Special education services and classroom accommodations
    • Extra help with reading, math, and organization

  • Behavioral and therapeutic services

    • Behavioral therapy and parent training
    • Speech and language therapy
    • Occupational therapy for motor and sensory challenges
    • Social skills training

  • Family and community support

    • Local and online FASD support groups
    • Counseling for parents and caregivers
    • Coordination with school counselors and social workers

Grand Rapids families often work with care teams across multiple systems—healthcare, schools, and social services—to create a stable, structured environment that supports the child’s needs.

Preventing FASD in Grand Rapids

FASD is completely preventable if a fetus is not exposed to alcohol.

To avoid FASD:

  • Do not drink alcohol if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are trying to conceive
  • If you are sexually active and not using reliable birth control, consider avoiding alcohol
  • If you find it difficult to stop drinking, seek help early—before or during pregnancy

In West Michigan, this is especially important during social events, holidays, and long winters, when alcohol use may increase and seasonal depression can be more common. Local health providers can help you manage stress and mood in safer ways.

Local Resources for FASD and Alcohol Use in Pregnancy – Grand Rapids, MI

If you are concerned about alcohol use during pregnancy or think your child may have FASD, the following local and national resources can help:

Local Medical and Public Health Resources

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician
    • Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department
    • Information on maternal and child health, developmental screening, and substance use resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics
    • Prenatal care, counseling, and referrals

FASD Information and Support

  • FASD Hub (U.S.) – Evidence-based information on FASD, diagnosis, and treatment
  • NOFAS (National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) – Education, advocacy, and family support

Substance Use Help and Counseling

  • Local behavioral health and addiction services in Grand Rapids (through major health systems and community mental health providers)
  • Michigan statewide helplines and online resources for alcohol and drug counseling and referral

If you are in immediate crisis or worried about your safety, contact your local emergency department or call 911.

Key Points About FASD in Grand Rapids

  • Babies severely affected by FASD are at risk of dying before they are born.
  • There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy; avoiding alcohol is the best way to prevent FASD.
  • An accurate diagnosis of FASD is essential to provide appropriate care and support.
  • Diagnosis typically involves:
    • A history of prenatal alcohol exposure
    • Characteristic facial features (in some cases)
    • Significant problems with learning, behavior, or development
  • Treatment and support programs are individualized and usually coordinated by a developmental pediatrician and a multidisciplinary team.
  • Early intervention and strong family and community support in Grand Rapids can help individuals with FASD maximize their independence and achievements.