Does FASD Result in Shortened Life Span

Submitted by JuliaFuller on Sat, 02/27/2010 - 01:02

An interesting discussion about FASD affecting life insurance acceptance has been ongoing for several days at the Michigan FASD Yahoo Group. Apparently, one adoptive parent honestly reported that her adopted daughter had FASD on the life insurance application. So far, two insurers have denied her coverage based on the FASD diagnosis. Frankly, it never occurred to me to put FASD on a life insurance application. Because there are no specific medical treatments for FASD since there are so many possible symptoms, effects, and characteristics. Instead each person’s symptoms are treated as needed. However, one member then shared that those with classic FAS may be more prone to types of cancer.

This same member shared that her nine year old adopted daughter with FAS was recently diagnosed with silent acid reflux. Further testing revealed precancerous cells in her esophagus. No one had discovered the problem sooner as the child never complained of any discomfort. (I have personally noticed that many FAS children fail to acknowledge pain or illness.) An ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat Specialist) who was really on the ball did not like the sound of her voice during an exam for intermittent hearing loss, ordered test, and discovered the problem. Therefore, in this mom’s opinion, FAS will probably shorten her adopted daughter’s lifespan since her whole body is affected by FAS – inside and out.

These FASD group members make some important points for those parenting children exposed to alcohol prior to birth. Many of us only consider the possible learning disabilities and facial characteristics. I searched the internet for a specific medical link between FAS and cancer and could not find one. However, there are several studies linking alcohol consumption with specific cancers. We do know that the alcohol consumed by the mother gets into the blood stream of the unborn child. We also know that FAS shortens attention span, affects impulse control, decision making skills, and learning abilities. These factors combined with being in the wrong place at the right time can also result in a shortened life span.