FAS can be diagnosed from birth in the most seriously afflicted children. However, the physical characteristics are most noticeable between the ages of eight months and eight years. FAS affects every part of the body that is affected by alcohol-induced damage. The most obvious signs are small size for the age, slightly rounded face, smooth skin with no hair, blue eyes, thin lips and a prominent nose. FAS babies often have trouble sleeping and may have heart defects, respiratory problems and brain damage. The diagnosis can only be made after considering all other possible causes of abnormal development during pregnancy or childhood. These include infections, malnutrition, hyperthermia (excessive heat), hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland), chronic stress, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, diabetes, and acid reflux. A genetic predisposition to developing FAS does exist, but it does not affect everyone who has an alcoholic parent. An infant or child needs to experience alcohol during pregnancy to develop FAS. It cannot be transmitted through drinking tea or coffee or eating foods containing alcohol. Children with FAS will usually have some form of intellectual disability and may have additional health problems as well.