Behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

TitleBehavioral interventions for children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2011
AuthorsPaley B, O'Connor MJ
JournalAlcohol Res Health
Volume34
Issue1
Pagination64-75
Date Published2011
ISSN1930-0573
KeywordsAdolescent, Adolescent Behavior, Alcohol Drinking, Behavior Therapy, Child, Child Behavior Disorders, Child, Preschool, Developmental Disabilities, Female, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, Humans, Pregnancy
Abstract

Exposure to alcohol in utero is considered to be a leading cause of developmental disabilities of known causation. The most severe consequence of such exposure, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), is characterized by a distinct constellation of facial anomalies, growth retardation, and central nervous system dysfunction. Both animal and human studies, however, suggest that there may be considerable variability in the manifestations of in utero alcohol exposure across individuals, and, consequently, the term fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) has come into usage to reflect the entire continuum of effects associated with such exposure. In addition to FAS, this term encompasses the conditions of partial FAS, alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder, and alcohol-related birth defects. Despite extensive evidence of significant cognitive, behavioral, and social deficits in people with FASD, research on behavioral interventions for FASD has lagged behind. However, in recent years there has been a marked increase in efforts to design and test interventions for this population. This article will review current empirically tested interventions, methodological challenges, and suggestions for future directions in research on the treatment of FASD.

Alternate JournalAlcohol Res Health
PubMed ID23580043
PubMed Central IDPMC3860556