Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: What Pediatric Providers Need to Know

Prenatal alcohol exposure is the cause of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs), the prevalence of which is similar to that of other developmental disabilities like Down syndrome and autism. Children, adolescents, and adults who live with the disabilities associated with prenatal alcohol exposure face extraordinary challenges throughout their lives. Pediatric providers need to be able to identify patients with FASD because early recognition and intervention is known to improve life outcomes for affected individuals. The purposes of this continuing education activity are to report what is known about the prevalence of FASDs; to detail the spectrum of problems experienced by affected individuals; and to suggest specific strategies for preventing, identifying, and managing FASDs in clinical practice.