Maternal consumption of alcohol (ethanol) can result in a range of alcohol-induced developmental defects. In humans [5], those collective birth defects [6] are called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, with the most severe manifestation being Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [7] (FAS). FAS is defined by preand post-natal growth retardation [8], minor facial abnormalities, and deficiencies in the central n...

Considerable efforts to educate women not to abuse alcohol during pregnancy have failed to reduce the incidence of fetal alcohol syndrome. Therefore, other approaches to limit the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure are under consideration, including the development of prevention programs and interventions. For these strategies to be as successful as possible, it also is important to improve m...

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders constitute a major public health problem. This article presents an overview of important issues that surround these disorders and emphasizes the structural and neurobehavioral consequences associated with prenatal exposure to alcohol. Diagnostic criteria are discussed, and possible moderating factors for the range of outcomes are mentioned. In addition, the prev...

Prenatal exposure to alcohol (ethanol) in humans [5] and animals results in a range of alcoholinduced developmental defects. In humans [5], those collective birth defects [6] are called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, with the most severe manifestation being Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [7] (FAS). FAS is defined by preand post-natal growth retardation [8], minor facial abnormalities, and deficienci...

Prenatal exposure to alcohol (ethanol) in humans [5] and animals results in a range of alcoholinduced developmental defects. In humans [5], those collective birth defects [6] are called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, with the most severe manifestation being Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [7] (FAS). FAS is defined by preand post-natal growth retardation [8], minor facial abnormalities, and deficienci...

Prenatal exposure to alcohol (ethanol) in humans [5] and animals results in a range of alcoholinduced developmental defects. In humans [5], those collective birth defects [6] are called Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, with the most severe manifestation being Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [7] (FAS). FAS is defined by preand post-natal growth retardation [8], minor facial abnormalities, and deficienci...

A new approach to the educational aspects of FASD will help educational experts to be better prepared for students affected by this challenging condition.

Fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are underdiagnosed in general treatment settings. Among the factors involved in identifying the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure are (1) the evidence for prenatal alcohol exposure; (2) the effects of the postnatal, caregiving environment; (3) comorbidities; and (4) differential diagnosis, which includes identifying the neurodevelop...

The umbrella term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder embraces several mental and behavioral manifestations of prenatal alcohol exposure as its etiology. There is sufficient reason to involve a classification system like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in spite of technical and procedural difficulties. The significance of this inclusion would not only make the advant...