Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Prenatal exposure to alcohol during pregnancy damages the developing fetus and is a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities (1–3). Children exposed to alcohol during fetal development can suffer multiple negative effects, including physical and cognitive deficits. Although the number and severity of negative effects can range from subtle to serious, they are always lifelong.
Referral and diagnosis for fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) can be made throughout the lifespan. However, the majority of persons with FAS are referred and receive a diagnosis during childhood. Thus, the terms “child” or “children” as used in these guidelines are not intended to preclude referral, assessment, and diagnosis of older persons.
Course Outline
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) results from maternal alcohol use during pregnancy and carries lifelong consequences. Early recognition of FAS can result in better outcomes for persons who receive a diagnosis. Although FAS was first identified in 1973, persons with this condition often do not receive a diagnosis. In 2002, Congress directed CDC to update and refine diagnostic and referral criteria for FAS, incorporating recent scientific and clinical evidence. In 2002, CDC convened a scientific working group (SWG) of persons with expertise in FAS research, diagnosis, and treatment to draft criteria for diagnosing FAS. This report summarizes the diagnostic guidelines drafted by the SWG, provides recommendations for when and how to refer a person suspected of having problems related to prenatal alcohol exposure, and assesses existing practices for creating supportive environments that might prevent long-term adverse consequences associated with FAS. The guidelines were created on the basis of a review of scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and the experiences of families affected by FAS regarding the physical and neuropsychologic features of FAS and the medical, educational, and social services needed by persons with FAS and their families. The guidelines are intended to facilitate early identification of persons affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol so they and their families can receive services that enable them to achieve healthy lives and reach their full potential. This report also includes recommendations to enhance identification of and intervention for women at risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancies. Additional data are needed to develop diagnostic criteria for other related disorders (e.g., alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder).
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Learning Objectives
After completing this course you’ll be able to:
- Discuss the guidelines for identifying and referring persons with fetal alcohol syndrome.
- List characteristics for diagnosing fetal alcohol syndrome.
- Describe the mental health problems and other lifelong consequences of FAS.
Table of Contents
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Recommendations
Diagnostic Criteria
Considerations When Diagnosing FAS
CNS Abnormalities
Differential Diagnosis
Conditions Consistent with a Subset of Diagnostic Criteria for FAS
Mental Health Problems and Other Lifelong Consequences
Referral Considerations
Services for Persons with FAS
Alcohol Use During Pregnancy
Summary of Recommendations
Diagnosis of FAS
Referral
Services
Prevention
References
Appendix
Central Nervous System Abnormalities Associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
Structural
Neurologic
Functional
References