Randi: B*sh afflicted by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome???

[npincus]

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=&imgrefurl=http://www.fetalalcohol.com/what-is-fase.htm&h=260&w=304&sz=16&hl=en&start=3&tbnid=RpmOv4g5G05YUM:&tbnh=99&tbnw=116&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dfetal%2Balcohol%2Bsyndrome%26svnum%3D10%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26rls%3DGGLG,GGLG:2006-25,GGLG:en%26sa%3DN

In a discussion with a psychologist caller who said that she thought B*sh had a "borderline personality disorder", Randi had said that based on B*sh's appearance she'd been told before that he had Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The psychologist then concurred; she thought he might have that, too.

OK- very curious to me, as I know nothing about this. Was Mama B*sh hitting the sauce while she was carrying the Dark Lord of Death and Destruction? I have never heard that particular rumor. If only psychological evaluations were part of the annual presidential fitness checkup. Anyway, based on the graphic and info, it's compelling... well, we report, you decide:

(has he got the 'epicanthal folds'?)





What is Fetal Alcohol Syndrome?

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a birth defect syndrome caused by the mother's intake of alcohol during pregnancy. The spectrum of alcohol-related diagnoses includes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE), PFAS (Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome), ARND (Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder) or ARBD (Alcohol Related Birth Defects). All of these birth defects are entirely preventable and can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race or socioeconomic status.

In order to receive a diagnosis of FAS from a physician, three criteria must be present:

1) Characteristic facial features include - a flattened midface, thin upper lip, indistinct/absent philtrum and short eye slits

1) Growth retardation - lower birth weight, disproportional weight not due to nutrition, height and/or weight below the 5th percentile.

2) Central Nervous System neurodevelopmental abnormalities such as - impaired fine motor skills, learning disabilities, behaviour disorders or a mental handicap (the latter of which is found in approximately 50% of those with FAS)


Behavioral/ Learning Difficulties

Children with FAS usually reach their intellectual peak around Grade 4 and begin to notice the differences between themselves and peers.

Teenagers with FAS often have low self-esteem because of the learning and social differences between themselves and their peers. They may do unsafe things in order to be accepted, such as take a dangerous dare or engage in sexual activity to get love and attention. They have a very poor understanding of consequences and may feel depressed or even suicidal.

Adults with FAS are at high risk for mental health problems. They are often socially isolated, have difficulty with interpersonal relationships and may have difficulty functioning in many environments. Adults with FAS have spotty memories and often have difficulty distinguishing fact from fantasy. They need supported housing and employment programs because independent living is rarely an option.

This disability is PERMANENT -
people with FAS/FAE do not 'get better.'

In order to receive a diagnosis of PFAS, only two of the three above criteria must be present and must include some facial features and brain differences. To receive a diagnosis of ARND, only one of the above three criteria must be present and must be a brain difference. These fetal alcohol effects are often thought to be less damaging than the "full-blown" syndrome, however, they are often more debilitating to the person's quality of life.

[mike_c]

1. hmmm-- this photo gleaned from FR, but still....

edit-- oops accidental pic of Robin Bush removed.

[npincus]

2. gosh, it's so hard to believe that sweet little thing turned into this:

[Ghost Dog]

3. Hmmm. I think you've got it!

Definitely worth recommending and further examination.