Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: A Review of the Neurobehavioral Deficits Associated With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Abstract

In utero alcohol exposure can disrupt the development of the fetal brain and result in a wide range of neurobehavioral outcomes collectively known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This paper provides a comprehensive review of the cognitive and behavioral outcomes of prenatal alcohol exposure, including domains of general intelligence, executive functioning, language development, learning and memory, adaptive functioning, academic performance, and concurrent psychopathology. In addition, the current status of the neurobehavioral profile of FASD and its potential as a diagnostic tool will be discussed.

Fetal Alcohol Programming of Subsequent Alcohol Affinity: A Review Based on Preclinical, Clinical and Epidemiological Studies

“…From a general perspective, there is no doubt that EtOH's teratogenic potential represents the main issue linking embryonic and fetal life with maternal consumption of the drug. The identification of a syndrome (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, FAS) representing one of the major congenital causes of mental disabilities (Lemoine et al, 1968;Jones et al, 1973) as well as the subsequent recognition and definition of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (Riley and McGee, 2005;Riley et al, 2011;Mattson et al, 2019) have guided most of the literature concerning early development and EtOH intoxication. According to the US National Institutes of Health (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; October 2019), approximately 17,000 articles arise when linking the terms ''fetal'' and ''alcohol.''…”

Performance Validity Testing in Justice-Involved Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

“…Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) comprises a range of impairments stemming from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), including neurocognitive deficits, problems regulating affect and behaviour, and in some cases, characteristic dysmorphic facial features, and growth restriction (Cook et al, 2016;Hoyme et al, 2016;Mattson, Bernes, & Doyle, 2019). Individuals with FASD experience high rates of additional adversities and comorbid conditions (e.g., McLachlan et al, 2016;Pei, Denys, Hughes, & Rasmussen, 2011;Popova et al, 2016;Streissguth et al, 2004).…”

“…Cognitive impairment is a defining characteristic of FASD, though notable variability of relative deficits and strengths is often seen in this population (Ali, Kerns, Mulligan, Olson, & Astley, 2018;Mattson et al, 2019;Mattson, Crocker, & Nguyen, 2011). Specific cognitive impairments may include deficits in attention, executive functioning, language, memory, learning, communication, and intellectual functioning (see reviews by Kodituwakku & Kodituwakku, 2014;Mattson et al, 2019).…”

“…Cognitive impairment is a defining characteristic of FASD, though notable variability of relative deficits and strengths is often seen in this population (Ali, Kerns, Mulligan, Olson, & Astley, 2018;Mattson et al, 2019;Mattson, Crocker, & Nguyen, 2011). Specific cognitive impairments may include deficits in attention, executive functioning, language, memory, learning, communication, and intellectual functioning (see reviews by Kodituwakku & Kodituwakku, 2014;Mattson et al, 2019). FASD is often underrecognized owing to many factors, including the heterogeneous nature of the disability, sometimes preserved overall intellectual functioning, and compensatory skills that mask underlying neurocognitive deficits (Ali et al, 2018;Astley, 2010;Kodituwakku & Kodituwakku, 2014;Mattson et al, 2011).…”

Specialized Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Consultation Service: An Innovative Clinic Model for Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Based at an Autism Center

“…Children and youth with conditions in the category of FASD have wide-ranging de cits in neurodevelopment and behavior. As they grow older, they often show signi cant life challenges (3).…”