Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

Abstract

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term describing the complex range of effects that can occur in a child exposed to alcohol before birth. These life-long effects range from severe to mild and include physical birth defects; growth deficiencies; intellectual, learning, and behavioral disabilities. Depending on the amount and the timing of alcohol exposure, some individuals develop a characteristic pattern of facial features and some will have growth or neurologic deficiencies. However, all those with FASD will have some degree of learning and behavioral dysfunction as a result of damage to the developing brain. Prevalence