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Review
. 2011 Jun;21(2):73-80.
doi: 10.1007/s11065-011-9166-x. Epub 2011 Apr 16.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: an overview

Edward P Riley  1 , M Alejandra Infante, Kenneth R Warren
Affiliations
Review

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: an overview

Edward P Riley et al. Neuropsychol Rev. 2011 Jun.

Abstract

When fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) was initially described, diagnosis was based upon physical parameters including facial anomalies and growth retardation, with evidence of developmental delay or mental deficiency. Forty years of research has shown that FAS lies towards the extreme end of what are now termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). The most profound effects of prenatal alcohol exposure are on the developing brain and the cognitive and behavioral effects that ensue. Alcohol exposure affects brain development via numerous pathways at all stages from neurogenesis to myelination. For example, the same processes that give rise to the facial characteristics of FAS also cause abnormal brain development. Behaviors as diverse as executive functioning to motor control are affected. This special issue of Neuropsychology Review addresses these changes in brain and behavior highlighting the relationship between the two. A diagnostic goal is to recognize FAS as a disorder of brain rather than one of physical characteristics.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
a Photo of a 4 month old infant with FAS. b Photo of same child at 5 years of age. c Cartoon showing the major facial characteristics used in the diagnosis of FAS. Photos courtesy of T. Kellerman and used with permission. Original cartoon by Kristen Breit and used with permission
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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