Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is an overarching term that describes the extent of eff ects of prenatal alcohol exposure. It includes the range of neurodevelopmental fi ndings and other medical fi ndings specifi c for FAS. Measurability of characteristics depends on several factors, such as diagnostic instruments, multidisciplinary focus, etc. Th e objective of the contribution is to provide the primary early care givers with recommendations for FASD screening. It involves suggestions that deal with recognition, protection and intervention of children with FASD in the most elaborate and unbiased manner. Results of the study off er selective intention of screening in preschool-aged children. Th e research was conducted with 173 children aged from 3 to 7 years. Th e authors used their own concept of selected domains indicating the occurrence of impairments in FASD domains. Specifi c quantitative and qualitative research methods were assigned to them. Th e impairments relate to anthropometric deviations determining early occurrence of FASD. Th e authors have selected the domain of basic anthropometry: head circumference, height and weight and philtrum and the obtained results from domains: auditory processing, selected cognitive components, motor system, speech and sensory processing. Conclusions defi ne basic criteria for FASD screening in general population and basic algorithm of distribution of recognized child in a system of early care in the SR. Th ey rely on the fact that there is urgent demand in Slovakia to involve participants in active FASD care.

Prenatal exposure of a child to alcohol may cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FAS/FASD). As a result, the aff ected child may exhibit lower intellect, neurosensory disorders, hyperactivity, executive functions disorder, abstract thinking and behaviour disorders combined with growth disorders and facial dysmorphia. In addition, undiagnosed and untreated children may suff er from serious secondary and tertiary disabilities. Th e aim of this paper is to provide a research overview of practical information about FAS/FASD syndrome, a presentation of the 4-Digit Diagnostic Code method and a sample of the research results by the fi rst Centre of Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention of FAS in Slovakia.

In the system of social work policy, social legal protection and caregiving policy there is no comprehensive system in Slovakia which would record a biological mother's use of alcohol during pregnancy. However, the evidence of mother's use of alcohol during pregnancy has a significant impact on accurate diagnostics, therapy, education, but mainly, on social adaptability of young clients placed in foster care. As of September 2015, the number grew to 6,277 children and a trend is on the rise. FAS/FASD diagnosis is ten time greater in this group of individuals (children placed in foster care) than in the rest of population. This is caused by mothers' drinking, who are, or were, the children with FAS/FASD, as well as, later victims of long term neglect, maltreatment and sexual abuse. Many times, these women unintentionally seriously harmed their child. Specialists defined the fetal alcohol syndrome and its spectrum as a significant prenatal disease which is a preventible cause of social failure, whether due to mental retardation, or mostly because of secondary victimisation of a handicapped person. The authors of this study present results of a qualitative research, which had been performed until June 2015 on 19 clients diagnosed in the Centre for Diagnostics, Therapy and