Prevalence
Courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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| Studies by CDC have reported FAS prevalence rates from 0.2 to 1.5 cases per 1,000 births across various populations. Other studies reflecting a variety of ascertainment methodologies have produced estimates ranging from 0.5 to 2.0 cases per 1,000 live births. Such rates are comparable with or above other common development disabilities such as Down syndrome or Spina Bifida. Using he CDC FAS estimates, among the approximately 4 million infants born each year, an estimated 1,000 to 6,000 will be born with FAS. Studies of particularly vulnerable populations yield prevalence estimates that far exceed those of other common disabilities. Disadvantaged groups, Native Americans, and other minorities have been documented rates as high as three to five FAS affected children per 1,000 children. Available data also suggest that poverty is strongly associated with women’s alcohol use before and during pregnancy, leading to an excess of children with FAS in impoverished groups. |