Is Heterosexuality Socially Constructed?

Is Heterosexuality Soci all(prenominal)(a)y Constructed?Heterosexuality is socially constructed. DiscussNot only heterosexuality, just the very word, has changed in the way it is understood. I range this essay with a clarification of end points, discussing what is understood by sexuality and sexuality and the implications of constructivist views. From this it is natural to move on to a discussion of labelling theory, of the effectuate of heteronormativity and of homovisibility, noning Foucaults mention of irrefutable implications in terms of difference. Finally, I consider how arguments against heteronormativity might be answered, in part, by Foucault.Constructionists hold human behaviour is socially constructed, by the environment in which people snuff it. They do non consider human behaviour to be innate or immutable, as they believe human behaviour is shaped by their social context throughout their lives. They hold that sexuality is also socially constructed and sexual behaviour to be a product of socio-cultural conditioning. Sexual meanings atomic number 18 not universal absolutes, simply argon subject to historical and cultural variation. (DeLamater, Hyde, 1998, p.16)Constructionists regard the meaning of a sexual act as dependent solely on the cultural, historically specific context in which it occurs they believe that sexuality is expressed in mevery contrastive forms across a variety of different cultures in many countries. A sexual act in one and only(a) country might not be construed as sexual in another. (Weeks, 1991. p. 20)This is evident in the anthropological study of a tribe in sensitive Guinea. It is part of this tribes cultural belief that masculinity give the sack be transmitted by insemination of ejaculate to a young boy, either anally or orally, by an older male. (Herdt, 1984 p.165) In western society this could be perceived as a homosexual act, or, for essentialists, utilise as evidence of universality. But for constructio nists this behaviour cannot be generalised to the larger population constructionists suggest that labelling these acts as homosexual is incorrect as the tribe do not apply the aforesaid(prenominal) meaning to these acts as in western culture to impose the same understanding as in the west would be ethnocentric. (Gergen, K. 1999. p. 26) societal constructionists want to chart ways that the meanings of sexual desires shift throughout history. Social constructionists regard sexual desire as contingent, not biologically obdurate as viewed by essentialists. (Warner, 1993 p.45)Michel Foucault (1981) meshs analyzed the history of sexuality from antiquated Greece to the modern era. Foucault articulated how profoundly understandings of sexuality can vary across term and space. This is demo by how the prevalence of what we straight off term heterosexuality has varied over the centuries and also from culture to culture. This is discussed by Foucault, who also notes that, although sexual behaviours in ancient societies resemble what we today see as homosexual/ heterosexual behaviour, the terms atomic number 18 not congruent with ancient societies. For example the ancient Greeks did not kick in terms or concepts that correspond to the contemporary dichotomy of heterosexual and homosexual therefore to this different historical context the modern terminology cannot be accurately applied. (Foucault, 1981, p.89)Constructionists designate to gain a deeper understanding of sexual phenomena and atomic number 18 not primarily interested in the origin cause of sexual orientation they look for at understanding the ways in which differences in sexual behaviour are produced by social processes in a extra social context. Constructionists aim to understand how we express and organise sexuality and why labels of difference in specific areas clear been invented in more or less cultures and not others why a particular culture accepts one form of sexual expression and not a nother and how heteronormativity has come to dominate modern western society. (DeLamater, Hyde, 1998, p.10) These important questions I will check up on in my essay.Constructionists can identify many historical contexts where individuals stupefy eng maturated in same-sex relations, but it was not until the middle of the nineteenth degree centigrade that terminology designate categories of sexual acts as specifically either heterosexual or homosexual. They suggest, therefore, that these terms contributed to the construction of sexuality in the western modern era. (Katz, 1995, p.45)Ned Katz is an important figure in the sexuality studies and he supports the constructionists argument. In The Invention of Heterosexuality (1995) he looks at how the meaning of the term heterosexuality changes throughout time. Katz notes that the term heterosexuality (Heterosexualitt) was first utilize in 1868 by German-Hungarian journalist, Karl Maria Kertbeny, not long after the term oddity was coi ned by Karl Heinrich Ulrichs. Heterosexuality made its first published appearance in English in a medical publication in 1869. (Katz, 1995, p.40) At first, the term heterosexuality was not use as homosexuals binary blow but was used to describe abnormal verbal expressions of the sexual appetite, either same sex or opposite sex, which did not correct to social norms that held that sex was for procreation. At one time the term sodomite had a similar meaning, this term was applied to people engaged in specific non-procreative sex acts, and related to the activity sooner than their holistic sexual identity. (Katz, 1995, p.45) This distinction amidst the activity performed by person who, among many other things, does that (a baker bakes, and a sodomite sodomises) and a person outlined in a particular way regardless of activity (a woman, a Jew) is now largely lost in contemporary use of gender labels, which now seem inescapable.Furthermore Katz suggests that in the 1920s the term wa s revisited in the second edition of the publication heterosexuality was then used to describe a manifestation of sexual passion for one of the opposite sex normal sexuality. (Katz, 1995, p.42) This term became well established and was used by Freud to describe normal sexuality. However this adaptation, used by scientists and physicians, signifies the start of heteronormativity as it suggests that sexual passion for the opposite sex was normal, wellnessy and superior influencing the rise of what Rich terms compulsory heterosexuality. (1994, p.45) Creating this distinction between normal and abnormal sexual preferences encouraged scientists and physicians to seek cures for those considered abnormal, thus compromising the liberty of the segregated and aggrandising the professional who diagnosed deviance. (Rivkin and Ryan 1998, p.670) This was supported by Foucault, who writes that it was this categorisation of homosexuality that first exposed the hitherto unfettered and unmonitored hu man sexual desire to scientific scrutiny and classification (Rivkin and Ryan, 1998, p.677). Katz suggests that If homosexuals were to win society-wide equality with heterosexuals, thered be no reason to give away them. (Katz, 1995, p.52) Furthermore, he holds that if homosexuals and hetrosexual do win society- wide equality the homosexual/heterosexual distinction would be retired from use, just as it was once invented. (Katz, 1995, p.52)The term heteronormativity was coined by Michael Warner, to action the elemental form of human association (Warner, 1993, p.21). This term describes how society has been dominated by heteronormative behaviour through the prevalence of compulsory heterosexuality. Warner suggests that heterosexuality has compose an charge form of normative social practice. (p.22)Heteronormativity describes the dominating social norms that shape individuals behaviour, pressuring the individual to conform to accepted cultural forms. This suggests some discomfort an d constraint, finely distinguished from Foucaults wind that the individual is not repressed by social order the individual is in fact formed by it (Foucault 1981, p.217).Heteronormativity has consequences for that minority who do not espouse with normative society, for example homosexual, bisexual, transsexual, and intersexual people individuals who deviate from atypical accepted heteronormativity are liable to heterosexism as they face prejudice and discrimination by some in the conforming proportion majority. (Warner, 1993, p.23) Heteronormativity has been reinforce by religious beliefs, partly through the prevalence of Christianity in western culture. The major western faiths reject homosexuality and elevated heterosexuality as the only accepted sexual preference. Although there flip been disagreements on interpretation of the bible, the influence of institutional faith has largely underpinned heteronormativity. (Warner, 1993, p.27)Heteronormativity is demo at the moment of birth individuals are quickly assigned to a sex category dependent on their sexual organs and therefore judge to conform to social gender roles. The power and dominance of heteronormativity is apparent when intersexual babies, with both male and female sex organs, are born. Intersexuals do not conform to normal categories and this deviance generates such(prenominal) anxiety that some intersex babies make water surgery shortly after birth to assign their sexual organs and their gender to either a male or female sex category obviously without their consent. (Dreger, 1998, p.45) This demonstrates the extent in which heteronormativity has come to dominate modern western society. This fictional character of operation has been reported to cause problems with sexual pleasure in later life. This begs the question, is conforming to heteronormativity necessary if it conflicts with personal preference or if it has negative implications for the individual? Hetronormativity can be challenged by increaseing homovisability, Societal visability of gay couples, gay t each(prenominal)ers, or even open conversation astir(predicate) homosexuality can reduce the dominance of hetronormativity (Dreger, 1998, p.44)Judith pantryman (1991) challenges heteronormative views in her publication Imitation and sexual practice through challenging binary sexual (and gender) categories, thus demoting heterosexualitys dominance, reducing its normative power by increasing homovisibility and knowingness of alternative sexual orientation, which in turn makes alternative sexual preferences more socially acceptable. She holds that sexual identities and desires are incessantly changing sexual expression is intertwined with societal power relations. (p.727) For example, in ancient Greece, in determining sexual preference the gender of a partner was less significant than whether or not someone took the active or passive role in sexual relations. This demostrates how power relations are intertwin ed into sexuality. Similar influences are also at work in contemporary stereotypes as womon are frequently portrayed as the passive sexual partner and men the active partner, however this perception is changing. (Dover, 1989. p.89).Butler suggests that hetronormativity is reinforced through socio-cultural conditioning and also via the transmitting of visual culture which promotes hetero-visability and homo-invisability. This notion is supported by Richard Dyer (1993), who holds that contemporary cinema plays a vital role in maintaining heteronormativity (p.726)Butler also investigates gender categories, and the implications categories of difference have on gender identity and gender roles. Butler argues that men and woman are essentially the same apart from different organization of sexual organs and, as a feminist she defends individuals rights to equality. Foucault would support this as he would argue that our habit of categorising the world in a gendered way is itself a social co nstruction. He states that when you view the world through the lens of gender differences, gender differences will be found. (McNay, 1992, p.121)Butler (1991) believes that gender like sexuality is socially constructed. She suggests that gender is not something we are, but something we do. She holds that individuals play out a role that is socially enforced upon them through social conditioning. Gender roles assigned at birth are based on individuals biological sex this gender role is played throughout individuals lives. (p.720) Furthermore, Butler like Katz, holds that heteronormativity could not exist without the categorisation made by terms of difference and therefore questions the hale purpose of their invention. (p.723)While the theories already discussed recognise the power of categorisation and a norm Foucault is more explicit about the political effects of consciousness. Foucault, in History of Sexuality (1981), challenged essentialist assumptions, and his ideas have been important in the constructionist approach to sexuality. Foucault suggests that the way that individuals are categorised by difference is part of a larger social discourse that is representative of the power relationships within society. Foucault holds that these power relations are constantly changing depending on historical and cultural context and that there are also positive implications to the generation of terms of difference. These terms can depict recognition and power to people otherwise invisible, and provide leverage for visibility, a source of pride and political power in order to fight for their right to equality. He suggests that segregating homosexuals in this way heightens homo-visibility, and homosexuals feel part of a collective who can create their own subcultures, fighting the dominance of heteronormativity. (p.67) Increased homovisability can be demonstrated by the gay liberation movement in the Stonewall protests, and the extent of popular support for the Lond on Lighthouse. all in all constructivists hold that heterosexuality is socially constructed indeed, all behaviour is product of socio-cultural conditioning. Similarly, all hold that heterosexually is a social construct that is culturally and historical dependent on the social context in which the term is used. Ned Katz, in particular, looks at the evolution of the term heterosexual and demonstrates the way the meaning of the term has changed throughout time, supporting the constructivists claim that sexuality is historically and culturally contingent. (Katz, 1995, p.52) With such consensus, what evidence is there to the contrary?Firstly, essentialists suggest that homosexual and heterosexual acts are historically consistent. This argument seems to be supported by Darwins evolutionary theory that holds heterosexuality is essential for reproduction and the continuation of the species, and that there is regularity and consistency in some patterns of sexual behaviour, displayed across s pace and time. This might seem a smashed criticism of the constructionist position as it suggests that sexuality is rooted in our biological nature rather than a product of social conditioning. Secondly, another question that must be asked of constructionists is that, if those who are considered deviant face heterosexism and discrimination, why would they choose to come out and face the negative implications of a homophobic society? Also, the constructionist suggestion that all behaviour is a product of social conditioning can also be questioned, as it fails to explain why transexuals seek gender reasignment. Finally, the constructionist argument cannot cipher for those who generally believe that they are born with the biological sex organs that do not correspond with their psychological sex.Paradoxically, perhaps Foucault provides an answer to the final twain questions as, although he agrees the terms heterosexual and homosexual are of modern construction and therefore cannot b e used to describe same sex or opposite sexual relations that have existed before the modern era, he also suggests that labels of difference have positive implications for the segregated a shared label is a collective identity, providing them with the public visibility convey to fight for equality. People might suffer prejudice, but the reality of their experience is recognised and endorsed by the labels of difference.BibliographyBerger, P, Luckmann, T (1966) The Social Construction of Reality A Treatise in the Sociology of Knowledge. Garden City, NY Doubleday.Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble Feminism and theSubversion of Identity. New York Routledge.Butler, Judith (1991) Imitation and Gender Insubordination, literary Theory An Anthology, Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan (Eds) London, B privationwell Publishing, 1998Clausen, J (1996) beyond Gay or Straight Understanding Sexual Orientation, Chelsea House Publishers.DeLamater, JD, Hyde, JS (1998), Essentialism vs. social constructioni sm in the study of human sexuality, Journal of Sex Research, Vol. 35 p.16Dover, KJ (1978, 1989) Greek Homosexuality. Cambridge, MA Harvard University Press.Dreger, AD (1998) Hermaphrodites and the Medical Invention of Sex, Cambridge, (MA) Harvard University PressDyer, Richard (1993) The Matter of Images, London RoutledgeFoucault, M (1981) The History of Sexuality, Volume 1 An Introduction, London, Pelican.Gergen, Kenneth J (1999). An invitation to social construction. Thousand Oaks, CA Sage.Halwani, R (1998) Essentialism, Social Constructionism, and the History of Homosexuality, Journal of Homosexuality, Vol. 35. p.89Herdt, G (1984). Rituals of manhood Male initiation in New Guinea. Berkeley, CA University of California Press.Herdt, G (1993) Mistaken sex Culture, biota and the Third Sex in New Guinea. In Gilbert Herdt (ed.), Third Sex, Third Gender Beyond Sexual Dimorphism in Culture and in History, New York Zone BooksKatz, Jonathan Ned (1995) The Invention of Heterosexuality. New York, NY Dutton (Penguin Books).Laqueur, T (1990) Making Sex Body and Gender from the Greeks to Freud. Cambridge, (MA) Harvard University PressMcNay, L (1992) Foucault and Feminism Power, Gender and the Self, Cambridge, Polity Press.Plummer, Ken (1995) state Sexual Stories Power, Change and Social Worlds LondonRich, Adrienne (1994) Compulsory heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence Blood, Bread, and Poetry. Norton Paperback New York 1994Richardson, Diane (1996) Theorising Heterosexuality Telling it Straight, Buckingham Open University PressRivkin, Julie and Ryan, Michael (1998) (Eds) Literary Theory An Anthology, Julie Rivkin and Michael Ryan (Eds) London, Blackwell Publishing, 1998Warner, Michael (1993), Fear of a Queer Planet Queer Politics and Social Theory, Minneapolis University of Minnesota PressWeeks, Jeffrey (1991), Against Nature, London Rivers Oram PressFetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Causes, Symptoms and interferenceFetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Causes, Symptoms and Treatment IntroductionFetal alcohol syndrome is a set of birth defects caused by maternal alcohol consumption during motherhood. The occurrence of FAS varies from 0.5 to 3.0 per 1,000 live births. However, it can be much higher depending on the community low socioeconomic status and race seem to be a contributing actor in those who are most at risk. (play therapy) The prevalence of FAS is thought to be underestimated for several reasons. This involves the physical features are ofttimes understated and difficult to recognize, a lack of clinical expertise, and the stigma that comes with maternal alcohol use. So not only do these mothers report their alcohol use less, clinicians whitethorn also be loath to ask women about their alcohol use (Jones). Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading nonhereditary cause of mental retardation and specific facial abnormalities and altered gain. (Prenatal vulnerability to alcohol, 2000). Not all clawren who are exposed to alcohol pay FAS. This suggests th at there must be a critical does of alcohol and a sensitive menstruation in the development of the foetus.DescriptionThe effects of vulnerability to alcohol are referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. This includes full-blown fetal alcohol syndrome, partial fetal alcohol syndrome, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, and alcohol-related birth defects (Landgraf et al. 2013). The enumerate of maternal alcohol consumption, the timing of consumption, and the duration all affect which level of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder a child is discoverd under (Batshaw et al. 2013). Alcohol consumption in the first two months leads to more adverse affects on the fetus. Alcohol also negatively affects the fetus in trusted ways in each trimester. In the first trimester brain cells are alter. In the second trimester the facial features are affected. Finally, in the third the genus Hippocampus in the brain is affected. (play therapy)This is repayable(p) to how much development still needs to occur and can be affected by the alcohol. A mothers age may also have a play in whether FAS occurs. According to OLeary the risk of impairment in offspring of women drinking fivesome or more drinks per occasion at least weekly, is increased by 2-5 times when the mother is 30 years of age or older. Alcohol crosses the placenta during pregnancy so it is known that they main reason for FAS is maternal alcohol consumption. However, paternal alcohol consumption may also pass on effects to the fetus from the sperm.HistoryFetal Alcohol syndrome was first reported in the United States in 1973. Eleven unrelated children, whose mothers continued to drink heavily during pregnancy, had similar patterns of growth deficiency and morphogenesis. After these reports, it was found that this connection was not a new observation. A committee to study drunkenness was formed in the 18th century of individuals in the British House of Commons. Their results were that infants born to alcoh olic women had a starved, shriveled, and imperfect look. (Jones et al. 2010). Then in 1899, a doctor analyze infants of alcoholic females. He know an increased frequency of early fetal and infant death in the infants. However, despite troublesome indications the medical community continued to disregard the issue.In the font in 1973, Dr. David Smith was asked by Dr. Shirley Anderson to come down to look at eight children who had been born to alcoholic mothers. These children came to the Pediatric Outpatient Clinic at the King County Hospital due to Dr. Christie Ullelands interest in the area. One night, she was informed that an alcoholic woman was about to give birth so she went to find out everything she could about the effects of alcohol on fetal development and found that there was no information available (Jones et al. 2010). So she decided to learn everything she could about the topic. Over the adjoining year she found eleven infants who had been born to alcoholic women. She then turned the children to the care of Dr. Anderson when another opportunity presented itself. Dr. Anderson then invited eight of those children to the outpatient clinic for the evaluation with Dr. Smith. As each child was examined a specific pattern of malformations that included microcephaly, short, palpebral fissures, and a smooth philtrum was noticed in half of the children (Jones et al. 2010).Soon after Dr. Smiths outlander files were searched for, for the same tercet features. These files consisted of hundreds of children with birth defects whom he had evaluated but had been unable to diagnose (Jones et al. 2010). Two children were found to have the same features so their mothers charts were studied and it was revealed that both children had been born to alcoholic women. As time went on more children were identified with the same features all to mothers who were alcoholics. Since the initial findings it has been found that picture say to alcohol in the womb may produce a broad spectrum of defects which is now known as the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. (Jones et al. 2010).Diagnosis in that location are many key features of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome these can be grouped by growth retardation, characteristic facial features, and central nervous system abnormalities and dysfunction, geomorphological or functional (OLeary et al. 2004). These categories are used for in the diagnosis of a patient with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The patient must have at least one growth abnormality, all three characteristic facial features, and one functional or structural abnormality or the Central Nervous governance (Landgraf et al. 2013). Liles states that prenatal and postnatal deficiencies in height, weight, head circumference, brain growth, and brain size would all be included under growth retardation. A deficiency in height and weight is considered at or below the 10th percentile and head circumference is considered when below the third percentile. According to Landg raf et al. (2013), the diagnosis of growth disturbances excludes familial microsomia, constitutional developmental retardation, prenatal deficiency states, skeletal dysplasia, hormonal disorders, genetic syndromes, chronic diseases, malabsorption, malnutrition, and neglect.The characteristic facial abnormalities that are used in diagnosis of FAS include a smooth philtrum (the groove between the upper lip and nose), short palpebral fissure length (shortened openings between the eyelids), and thin vermillion (the upper lip) (PLAY THERAPY). Functional impairments in the Central Nervous System are considered intellectual deficits when below the third or the 16th percentile in three of six areas cognitive or developmental abnormalities, insufficient executive carrying out skills, motor functioning delays, inattention or hyperactivity, deficient social skills, or sensory, pragmatic lyric, or memory problems. (Play therapy)Symptomsalong with the criteria for diagnosis, children with Feta l Alcohol Syndrome have many other symptoms. Spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, preterm birth, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome have all been found to relate to alcohol exposure in infants. Spontaneous abortion is defined as fetal red ink prior to 20 weeks of gestation. The reason for the death is usually unknown but certain risk factors are found in some cases. Evidence found, as early as 1980, suggested that drinking during pregnancy was associated with an increased rate of spontaneous abortion. Studies have been done that suggest that the risk is not increased unless at least three drinks per week are consumed. Stillbirth is when fetal loss occurs after 20 weeks of gestation. (PRENATAL EXPOSURE) Originally, studies suggested that an intake of 14 or more drinks per week was associated with stillbirth. Later a study found that more than five drinks per week could lead to a three times increased risk of stillbirth. Another study found a 40 percent increase in the possibility of stil lbirth for women who consumed any amount of alcohol compared with those who did not. Exposure to alcohol also shown to be associated placental dysfunction decreased placental size, impaired blood flow and nutrient transport, and endocrine changes. (PRENATAL EXPOSURE) All which could result in stillbirth.Preterm birth is delivery occurring before 37 weeks of gestation. Researchers found it difficult to study the trend between preterm birth and maternal alcohol due to small render sizes, insufficient assessment of alcohol exposure, and unreliable gestational date among other factors. However, some studies have been completed and one found that 10 or more drink per week may lead to three times increased risk for preterm delivery. There is no known reason why Sudden Infant Death Syndrome occurs. However, there are many theorized reasons including prenatal alcohol exposure. Although studies have been done, they are not reliable due to small sample sizes. (STILLBORN)According to Batshaw (2013) imaging studies found a decrease in brain volume and abnormalities of the corpus callosum, basal ganglia, and other brain structures. The death of certain cells may be responsible for a small size of the cerebellum. The corpus callosum sometimes fails to even develop in something children with FAS. Autopsies of brains also included malformations of the gray and white result regions of brain tissue and failure of cells to migrate during brain development to the correct position.An infants cry is another characteristic which can be affected by exposure to alcohol. Research has found that the intensity, time between a stimulus and infants cry, and the pitch of the cry are significantly different in children who were exposed to alcohol than those who were not (PRENATAL EXPSOURE TO ALC). The infants may also have a weak sucking response. Children with FAS may have delayed intellectual development, neurologic abnormalities, vision, hearing, and balance problems. These children al so may have heart and limb problems, sleep disturbances, jitteriness, trembling, heart disease, spina bifida, renal, orthopedic, dermatologic, connective tissue, and respiratory problems, as well as bedwetting, voluntary or involuntary passing of stools, tremors, seizures, echolalia, and schizophrenia. (play therapy)Long Term ImplicationsMany long term implications have been identified that affect children born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Many have oversensitivity to stimuli such as bright lights or sounds, certain smells, and even certain textures. Exposure to ethanol can also lead to ADHD and executive functioning deficits (Batshaw et al. 2013). A study has shown that 85 percent of children diagnosed with FAS also are diagnosed with ADHD (Liles). Organizing, sequencing, planning, and certain forms of abstract thinking are all tasks that are included in executive functioning. Those with problems in executive functioning are unable to be independent because they are unable to do da ily tasks like give riseting dressed. early(a) long term implications include motor control. Most parents start seeing a delay in fine and gross motor skills by 12-13 months of age. go control is influence by the Central Nervous System. There are many functions that are involved in the CNS. The sensory organs including ears, eyes, and skin provide feedback to the CNS, motor reactions and balance may be affected due to problems located in the inner ear (Prenatal exposure to alc). Communication delays including receptive and expressive language and hearing disorders are often common in children with FAS. Hearing disorders in children with FAS include auditory maturation, sensorineural hearing loss, and intermittent conductive hearing loss (oleary).Children with FAS also have a wide range of behavior and developmental abnormalities. These children may be antisocial and one third of children exposed to alcohol prenatally show significant aggressive behavior. (OLeary) Since these chil dren experience social issues, it may result in an increased likelihood of depression, suicidal ideology, anxiety and panic attacks, and other various psychiatrical disorders (Liles).With problems in communication, executive functioning, and social issues, among others, these children often experience lower cognitive ability. Many studies done show a high possibility for children with FAS have IQs that would place them in the category of mental retardation, an IQ lower than 70. They also have problems in spelling, mathematics, and completion of carious classroom tasks. (Liles) These individuals are more likely to destroy out of school and have higher rates of drug and alcohol abuse, delinquency, and abnormal sexual behaviors (Landgraf et al. 2013). This shows the importance in the support and treatments child with FAS need.As children with FAS get older, the long term implications not only follow them to their adult life but also cause other problems. They may have mental health p roblems, become victims of crime, get into trouble with the law, or may not be able to live on their own. They may not be able to work which also means even if they have the ability to work, they do not have the resources to. The problems with social ability also may affect their potential to have intimate relationships.TreatmentsTreatments can be very important in dish uping those with FAS, so they are able to cope with daily living. According to the National system of rules of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (2014) home intervention and early school intervention are important to help overcome issues an individual may be having.There are many run for individuals with FAS these include prenatal, birth to age 3, children 3-6 and school age, adolescents, and adults. Prenatal services are targeted at the mother physicians should provide women with information about the effects of drinking during pregnancy. Since early intervention is so important for children with FAS a physician can recomme nd part C in IDEA. This allows for children birth to age 3 at risk of later developmental delay to receive services before meeting criteria eligibility. A stable and nurturing environment is critical for these children and so the family needs to be educated about the importance of caregiver attachment. (NOFAS)Once a child reaches the age of three, early intervention services stop and families are refereed to preschool handicapped computer programs or special needs preschool through Part B of IDEA. Unlike Part C, a child must be eligible for this program to receive services. This becomes a problem for some children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome because few meet the criteria. Categories they may qualify for include other health impairments, behavior disorder, or learning disorder. This allows for services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, or social skills training (NOFAS).Adolescents with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome may have more prominent behavior al and mental health issues, so parents should not dismiss concerns they have. Adolescents with FAS miss out on skills like observational learning or basic maturity so vocational and transitional services are important. Giving them explicit instruction along with lifestyle support is important spot in school to increase the possibility of a better outcome as an adult. Open communication and close supervision is incredibly important since adolescents with FAS often do not know appropriate boundaries or how to read subtle social cues. As an adult it may be difficult for those with FAS to receive services unless they have met the eligibility criteria before the age of 22. Adults living with FAS may qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits, Medicaid, and Section 8 Housing subsidies. (NOFAS)It is important at any age in the lifespan to have a routine for those living with FAS. The National Organization of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (2014) gives strategies for handling symptoms at eac h distributor point of life for those living with FAS. For infants, seeing specialists in areas is suggested to help with delays or a nutritionist for poor weight gain. Toddlers who are distracted easily may need a routine established or specific structure. School age children who have problems making and keeping friends may need to be paired with a child who is a year or two younger and need activities to be short and exciting. Parents of adolescence who are being victimized need to monitor the activities the children are engaging in. Adults living with FAS may also have difficulty obtaining or keeping jobs so looking into trade schools job training programs may be beneficial for them. (NOFAS)Although no studies have been done to see how play therapy can help children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, research has been done with children who have similar characteristics and behaviors this includes but not limited to low self-esteem, aggression, and hyperactivity. This allows practition ers to help children with FAS (Liles et al. 2009). Develop a more positive self-concept, assume greater self-responsibility, become more self-directing, become more self-accepting, become more self-reliant, engage in self-determined decision making, experience a feeling of control, become sensitive to the process of coping, develop an internal source of evaluation, and become more trusting of himself/herself are recommendations during play therapy given by Liles for children with Fetal Alcohol SyndromeConclusionAlthough, some say an occasional glass of wine wont affect your baby, the best way to avoid FAS is to refrain from drinking while pregnant. Educating women and men on the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure is important. Medical practitioners should also be educated on new information that is found regarding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome so they can pass the information along to clients. For women who are trying to get pregnant refraining from drinking is crucial because the early st ages of development are the most impacted by alcohol exposure.Individuals affected with FAS will have to deal with it their whole lives. Although treatments are available, the disorder is not curable. Early diagnosis is important so that support measures can be taken in the individuals environment which may help to avoid problems later in life. As information becomes available and technology increases more can be studied about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.