Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Children

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/03/23 - Updated: 2023/10/02
Publication Type: Informative
Topic: Pediatric Disabilities - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: This article discusses the key features of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FASD). The complete evaluation to determine diagnosis should include an assessment of the child's central nervous system, speech/language, and fine motor skills which are assessed by an occupational therapist.

Introduction

Do you know a child who may have received a prenatal exposure to alcohol?

Have you adopted a child or do you work with a child that may have the affects of prenatal exposure to alcohol?

Would you like to know what the 4 key features of this disorder is?

Main Item

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has a document entitled: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Guidelines for Referral and Diagnosis. This document established a general consensus among medical professionals, on what constitutes a diagnosis in the USA. There is some disagreement among medical professionals about children that have some of the four key features but not all of them.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome has the most consensus among medical professionals and has a ICD-9 or ICD-10 diagnosis. The complete evaluation to determine diagnosis should include an assessment of the child's central nervous system, speech/language, and fine motor skills which are assessed by an occupational therapist. After the testing is complete the team should work together to interpret the data of each key feature that was assessed, and develop a multi disciplinary report to diagnose this in a child.

Partial FAS have a confirmed history of prenatal exposure, but may lack growth deficiency of the complete facial stigmata. The following criteria must be met for a diagnosis:

The Four Main Features Are

Growth Deficiency

This is defined as significantly below average height, weight, or both due to prenatal alcohol exposure. Criteria are less specific in the diagnostic system. Low weight to height measurement, or decelerating weight not due to poor nutrition.

Growth deficiency is ranked as follows by the: 4 digit diagnostic code:

Specific Facial Features

Three characteristic craniofacial abnormalities are visible in children with FAS. The 3 facial features are:

Central Nervous System Damage

The primary key feature of any diagnosis. The prenatal exposure can damage the brain across a continuum;from subtle impairments, to more severe impairments. The 4-digit diagnostic code gives four rankings for CNS damage:

Documented Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol

This can be determined by interviews of the biological mother, other family members, court records, as well as chemical dependency treatment records.

Some children with FAS are adopted and it may be difficult to determine if the biological mother used alcohol during the pregnancy. So a determination of unknown exposure is often used for these children. The diagnosis of FAS can still be determined with an unknown exposure if the child has the other three key features.

It is sometimes difficult to determine why a child has a disability, so understanding this information could be critical to being able to help the child learn. Many children with this syndrome require intensive special education services to help them learn and have a happy and fulfilled life.

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, .

Explore Similar Topics

- Comparing the effects of the transport response, the relaxed reaction while being carried, with motionless maternal holding or rocking and examining if the effects persist with longer carrying in infants.

- University of California Riverside researchers examine how expectation of pain influences pain experience in children.

Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2009, March 23 - Last revised: 2023, October 2). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Children. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved April 22, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/health/pediatric/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder.php

Permalink: <a href="https://www.disabled-world.com/health/pediatric/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder.php">Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Children</a>: This article discusses the key features of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FASD).

While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, it's important to note that our content is for general informational purposes only. We always recommend consulting qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. Any 3rd party offering or advertising does not constitute an endorsement.