Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (Cont.)

 
Fetal Alcohol Effects
The term fetal alcohol effects has been used to describe behavioral and cognitive problems in children who were prenatally exposed to alcohol but who do not have all of the typical diagnostic features of fetal alcohol syndrome. In 1996, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) replaced fetal alcohol effects with the terms alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) and alcohol-related birth defects.
 
Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Children with ARND might have functional or mental problems linked to prenatal alcohol exposure. These include behavioral or cognitive abnormalities (for example, speech delays or hyperactivity) or a combination of both.
 
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects
Children with ARBD might have problems with the heart, kidneys, bones, and/or hearing.
 

Symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Symptoms of a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder may include:
 
  • Sleeping, breathing, or feeding problems
  • Small head or facial/dental anomalies
  • Heart defects or other organ dysfunction
  • Deformities of joints, limbs, and fingers
  • Slow physical growth before or after birth
  • Vision or hearing problems
  • Mental retardation or delayed development
  • Behavioral problems.
     
Other symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can include:
 
  • Behavioral or cognitive problems, such as learning difficulties and poor school performance
  • Poor coordination
  • Hyperactive behavior
  • Developmental disabilities, such as speech and language delays
  • Learning disabilities
  • Mental retardation
  • Low IQ
  • Self-care problems, such as tying shoes or organizing one's day
  • Poor reasoning and judgment skills
  • Sleep and sucking disturbances.
     
People with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders often have problems as they get older. These might include:
 
  • Mental health problems
  • Disrupted school experiences
  • Trouble with the law
  • Unemployment
  • Inappropriate sexual behavior
  • A combination of these.
     
(Click Effects of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome for more information on long-term effects associated with this condition.)
 
These possible symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are not sure signs of the condition. Other problems can also cause these symptoms. Anyone whose child has possible symptoms of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders should see their doctor. Only a trained professional can diagnose and treat the problem.
 
(Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Continued: Page 4)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD