Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Screening

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) screening is a process used to identify individuals who may have been affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol. FASD is an umbrella term that describes a range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.

Types of FASD

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS): characterized by growth deficits, facial abnormalities, and central nervous system problems.
• Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS): similar to FAS, but without the full range of symptoms.
• Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND): characterized by cognitive and behavioral problems, but without the physical characteristics of FAS.
• Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (ND-PAE): a condition that affects brain function and behavior, but does not include the physical characteristics of FAS.

Screening Methods

FASD screening typically involves a combination of the following methods:

• Clinical Evaluation: a comprehensive medical evaluation to assess growth, development, and physical characteristics.
• Neuropsychological Assessment: a series of tests to evaluate cognitive and behavioral function, including attention, memory, and executive function.
• Maternal Risk Factor Assessment: an assessment of the mother's alcohol use during pregnancy, including the amount and frequency of drinking.
• Physical Examination: a physical examination to assess for facial abnormalities and other physical characteristics associated with FASD.

Screening Tools

Several screening tools are available to help identify individuals who may be at risk for FASD, including:

• The FASD 4-Digit Diagnostic Code: a standardized system used to diagnose and classify FASD.
• The Hoyme Diagnostic Criteria: a set of criteria used to diagnose FAS and pFAS.
• The Institute of Medicine (IOM) Criteria: a set of criteria used to diagnose FAS, pFAS, and ARND.

Who Should be Screened

The following individuals should be screened for FASD:

• Children with growth deficits, facial abnormalities, or central nervous system problems.
• Children with cognitive or behavioral problems, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or learning disabilities.
• Individuals who have been adopted or are in foster care, and whose birth mother's alcohol use during pregnancy is unknown or suspected.

When to Screen

FASD screening can be performed at any age, but it is typically most effective when done during childhood or adolescence. Early identification and intervention can help improve outcomes for individuals with FASD.