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General Description
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) refers to the broad spectrum of potential
cognitive, behavioral, and learning challenges that may affect them throughout their lives. It
serves as a collective term for conditions related to prenatal alcohol exposure, including fetal
alcohol syndrome (FAS), but is not itself a specific diagnosis (Bertrand et al., 2004). FASD
encompasses conditions caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy, including FAS (the
most severe form), partial fetal alcohol syndrome (PFAS), disorders related to neurodevelopment
due to alcohol, and congenital disabilities linked to alcohol exposure (Bertrand et al., 2004). Any
child who is exposed to alcohol prenatally presents with growth retardation, facial
al., 2016). Genetic factors from both mother and fetus affect alcohol metabolism. Variants in the
alcohol dehydrogenase 1 (ADH1) gene enhance alcohol breakdown, reducing blood alcohol
levels. Increased GLI Zinc Finger 2 (GLI2) gene methylation, reducing its activity, has been
linked to FASD, confirmed by DNA studies in affected children (Popova et al., 2017).
Individuals starting to drink before age 18, who binge drink in their teens and continue
drinking during pregnancy, often have a lenient view towards alcohol use while pregnant. These
individuals are usually older, wealthier, more educated, smokers, and have partners who drink.
Environmental risk factors include experiencing abuse, social isolation (including living in
remote areas), partner violence, substance use within the family, and poverty during pregnancy
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(Esper & Furtado, 2014). The incidence and prevalence of FAS worldwide can vary significantly
due to differences in reporting practices, diagnostic criteria, and alcohol consumption patterns
across populations. Major structures of the central nervous system are affected by FASD,
including the hippocampus, cerebellum, basal ganglia, and corpus callosum. Not only are brain
The global prevalence of alcohol use during pregnancy is about 9.8% (Popova et al.,
2017). It is estimated that about one in every 67 women who consume alcohol during pregnancy
will deliver a child with FAS, which equates to about 119,000 children born with FAS
worldwide each year. The prevalence of FASD varies, with some of the highest rates reported in
parts of South Africa, where studies have found rates of FASD as high as 68-89 per 1000 school
children. In contrast, estimates in the United States and many European countries tend to be
lower but still significant, with estimates ranging from 2 to 7 cases of FAS per 1000 children
Health Disparities
In the United States, the occurrence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is estimated to be
between 0.3 and 0.8 cases per 1,000 children, while globally, around 2.9 per 1,000(Amendah et
al., 2011). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) show a higher prevalence, with about 33.5
cases per 1,000 children in the U.S. and 22.8 per 1,000 worldwide. Economically, it places a
heavy burden, as children with FAS on Medicaid face medical costs nine times higher than
unaffected peers, averaging $6,670 annually compared to $518 per year (Amendah et al., 2011).
There is limited evidence on the nonmedical costs associated with FASD. However, in the
existing research, experts pinpointed areas such as special education, residential care,
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involvement with the criminal justice system, economic losses from illness and early death, the
economic impact on caregivers, and non-monetary losses as factors contributing to the financial
strain caused by fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in individuals (Greenmyer et al., 2018).
It is known that the prevalence among individuals with FASD is higher in women who
drink alcohol during their pregnancy. There are no clear gender differences among males and
females with FASD. However, Flannigan et al. (2023) examined gender-related differences in
individuals evaluated for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in Canada. The authors stated that
Males were more likely to suffer from neurodevelopmental issues, while females had a greater
incidence of endocrine problems, as well as anxiety and disorders related to mood and
depression. On the other hand, males exhibited higher occurrences of attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder (Flannigian
et al., 2023).
communities. For example, FASD is shown to be linked to poverty, addressing the importance of
communities (Jordan et al., 2023). Narrowing down to specific populations, there is a higher
prevalence rate among certain populations, such as American Indians and other racial minority
groups (Williams et al., 2015). Furthermore, FASD rates vary by ethnicity within the U.S., being
less common among Hispanic children and more common among Native Americans and Alaska
Natives. FASD is often overlooked or incorrectly diagnosed, delaying essential support for
range from mild to severe. Some signs and symptoms include low body weight, poor
coordination, hyperactive behavior, poor memory, learning disabilities, low IQ, poor reasoning
and judgment skills, problems with the heart, kidneys, or bones, shorter than average height,
small head size, vision or hearing problems, sleep and sucking problems as a baby, and abnormal
facial features, such as a smoothed philtrum (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2022).
FASD is usually detected in children. Research suggests that FASD can be detected in newborns
when confirming prenatal exposure to alcohol. Some of these signs include a smooth philtrum, a
thin vermillion border of the upper lip, and short palpebral fissures (Patel et al., 2022). Other
earlier symptoms of FASD are growth failure in children, delayed developmental milestones,
poor sleep/wake cycles, and cognitive delays. (Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS),
2003).
FASD cannot be reversed. However, treatment can help manage some of the symptoms.
Many suggest early detection of FASD is important to help manage further complications. Even
though symptoms are manageable to a certain degree, mental deficiencies persist throughout the
individual's lifetime. Some helpful interventions with early detection include therapy which
helps the child's gait, speech, and social interactions. Early intervention services are also
available to help children learn valuable skills. Research shows that the earlier the symptoms are
found and treated the better the outcomes will be following specialized treatments (Patel et al.,
2022). There are not many studies on adults with FASD, however an article by Moore and Riley
(2015) suggested that adults have delayed brain maturation. However, some individuals have
improved executive function over time, which may be due to an increase in grey matter in the
brain.
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Neuropathophysiological
Neuroimaging studies have consistently shown that children with FAS and Partial Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome (PFAS) often have reduced volumes in their brains and heads. This finding is
supported by multiple researchers (Archibald et al., 2001; Mattson et al., 1996; Swayze et al.,
1997). These studies have highlighted a general reduction in size and specific changes in the
brain's structure, particularly in the frontal lobes. These alterations align with neuropsychological
findings of deficits in attention, working memory, and executive functions, which are typically
managed by the brain's frontal regions. Moreover, a significant study pointed out a decrease in
the volume of the ventral frontal lobes, especially on the left side, while the larger dorsal frontal
areas remained relatively unaffected (Sowell et al., 2002a). Further investigations into FASD
have revealed an increase in the cortical thickness in the right ventral and inferolateral frontal
lobes (Sowell et al., 2008), suggesting a link to facial dysmorphology. Additionally, an increase
in thickness was observed in the parietal lobes on both sides, indicating a possible surplus of
gray matter in these areas compared to children who were not exposed to alcohol prenatally
Studies have found a reduction in the volume of the basal ganglia, a critical brain
structure involved in motor control and learning, even after adjusting for overall brain size
reduction (Archibald et al., 2001; Mattson et al., 1996). Within the basal ganglia, the caudate
nucleus, which plays a role in learning, adaptability, and inhibiting behaviors, was also
significantly reduced in size in children diagnosed with FASD (Cortese et al., 2006).
Furthermore, the diencephalon, encompassing the thalamus and hypothalamus, was found to
executive functions, and other complex cognitive tasks (Strick et al., 2009). O’Hare et al. (2005)
studied the cerebellar vermis, a slender area that connects the cerebellum's right and left
hemispheres, in individuals with FASD. They discovered that in those with FASD, there were
notable changes in the size and positioning of the vermis, particularly with the anterior vermis
being displaced downwards and backward. These alterations were linked to challenges in verbal
Numerous abnormalities in the development of the corpus callosum (CC), such as its
complete absence (agenesis), reduced volume in specific areas, and various developmental
irregularities, have been reported (Riley et al., 1995; Swayze et al., 1997). Bookstein et al.,
(2001), found that children with FASD exhibit a significantly higher variation in the shape of the
CC compared to children who were not exposed. This variation is considered a key feature
verbal learning tests when compared to their non-FASD counterparts. The study highlighted a
correlation between verbal learning abilities and the positioning of the CC in those with FASD,
noting that anterior displacement of the CC was associated with poor verbal learning outcomes
Individuals with FASD showed fewer correct responses, longer latencies during correct
responses, and higher rates of nonresponding, indicating affected spatial working memory.
(Malisza et al., 2005). A study suggests that prefrontal cortical regions are involved in inhibitory
control and that subcortical modulation of response inhibition occurs (via frontal-subcortical
loops that link the basal ganglia to the frontal lobes (Streissguth et al., 2004).
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Motor skills are an integral part of an individual's life. In childhood Motor skills are important in
play activities. In adulthood, motor skills are essential with tasks that involve walking, running,
throwing and maintaining balance. A meta-analysis by Lucas et al. (2014), demonstrated that
gross motor skills are impacted in an individual with FASD. The study also assessed gross motor
deficits in children with FASD and heavy to moderate levels of alcohol. They discovered that
deficits in gross motor skills were found in balance, coordination, and ball skills. Fine motor
skills are most affected by FASD, including those who were exposed to low levels of alcohol.
Visual-motor integration is a complex fine motor skill that is more frequently impaired than
basic fine motor skills such as grip and strength (Doney et al., 2014).
(2009), research has shown that individuals present deficits in executive functioning skills,
particularly when keeping information in mind and using it for tasks that require problem-
solving, planning, and thinking. Domains that were studied were language, visual perception,
memory and learning, social functioning, and number processing. The findings concluded that
individuals with FASDs had decreased performance in these areas in relation to higher-order
cognitive tasks.
understanding social cues and processing social information. These challenges lead to issues in
solving social problems, interpreting social situations correctly, and forming and sustaining
relationships. Due to these social deficits, individuals with FASD are at a higher risk of
exploitation and peer pressure, which can increase their likelihood of encountering the criminal
including ADHD, anxiety, and arousal or sleep disorders (Ritfeld et al., 2022). The medication
also includes stimulants, antidepressants, neuroleptics, and anti-anxiety drugs (CDC, 2023).
Behavioral and educational therapies play a crucial role in the treatment of children with
FASDs. Programs such as Good Buddies, a friendship training for children with FASDs, focus
on teaching appropriate social skills. The Families Moving Forward (FMF) program offers
support to families facing challenging behaviors associated with FASDs. The Math Interactive
Additionally, the Parents and Children Together (PACT) program enhances self-regulation and
Training programs for parents have proven to be effective in informing them about their
child's disability and in providing strategies to teach their child necessary skills, as well as
assisting in managing symptoms related to FASD. For various disabilities, injuries, or medical
conditions, for FASD individuals, a range of unproven therapies often gains attention through
Auditory Training, Relaxation Therapy, Visual Imagery, and Meditation, which are particularly
beneficial for managing sleep issues and anxiety. Creative Arts Therapy, Yoga, and regular
exercise, Acupuncture and Acupressure, Massage, Reiki, and other energy healing methods, the
use of Vitamins, Herbal Supplements, Homeopathy, and Animal-Assisted Therapy are included
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