One of the (at least theoretically) most easily detectable features of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is a distinct pattern of facial characteristics. However, in many children prenatally exposed to alcohol, these characteristics are expressed only subtly, making it difficult to correctly identify children with these disorders. To date, several studies ...

Prenatal exposure to alcohol has profound effects on many aspects of fetal development. Although alterations of somatic growth and specific minor malformations of facial structure are most characteristic, the effects of alcohol on brain development are most significant in that they lead to substantial problems with neurobehavioral development. Since the initial recognition of the fetal alcohol ...

Clinical descriptions of patients with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAE) suggest major problems with adaptive behavior. Five operationally defined adverse outcomes and 18 associated risk/protective factors were examined using a Life History Interview with knowledgeable informants of 415 patients with FAS or FAE (median age 14 years, range 6-51; median IQ 86, range 29-...

INTRODUCTION The teratogenic effects of alcohol on the developing brain have been known for over thirty years [1-3]. During this period, a host of neuropsychological and behavioral deficits associated with prenatal alcohol exposure have been identified and have helped to increase awareness of this public health concern. Although a limited number of autopsy studies have been competed, it was not...