Diagnostic Issues Work Group, Interagency Coordinating Committee on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders – 2011
Summarizes conference discussions on whether screening and diagnosis (or referral for diagnosis) of alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND) should occur in primary child health care settings. States that primary health care providers who serve children should be aware of maternal alcohol use during pregnancy and provide evaluations and interventions for affected children. Discusses the negative developmental effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and answers a series of questions about ARND. Describes ARND and notes how it differs from other fetal alcohol disorders which may have more obvious physical indicators. Notes that confirmation of significant prenatal alcohol exposure is required for diagnosis. Discusses effective treatment strategies for children with ARND, including educational and behavioral interventions. Notes the importance of ongoing surveillance of children and youth with PAE. Includes resources for further information and conference details.