Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

Abstract

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can cause a wide range of physical, neurobehavioral, and neurocognitive impairments that impact developmental trajectories throughout the lifespan. Clinically, individuals who have been exposed to alcohol prenatally and who show physical or neurobehavioral difficulties may be classified as having a condition included in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The aim of this chapter is to summarize the current knowledge of FASD including diagnostic criteria, neurobehavioral outcomes, lifespan considerations, and interventions. Individuals with PAE exhibit challenges in the cognitive domains of executive functioning, general intelligence, motor function, learning, and memory. Aggression, trouble with the law, and oppositional behavior are also commonly associated with individuals with FASD. The effects of PAE can be attributed to altered neural development such as smaller total brain volume and structural abnormalities. Prenatal exposure to alcohol increases risk for co-occurring neurodevelopmental conditions and psychiatric disorders. This chapter will also review the current literature on pre- and postnatal interventions to target the effects of PAE.