Neurobehavioral Disorder Associated With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure

Joseph F Hagan1, Tatiana Balachova2, Jacquelyn Bertrand3

  • 1University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, Vermont; jhagan@aap.net.

Pediatrics
|September 29, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Children exposed to alcohol prenatally may have neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal exposure, impacting neurocognition and self-regulation. Pediatric clinicians can identify, diagnose, and manage these children within medical homes.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause brain damage leading to neurodevelopmental challenges.
  • Children may exhibit impairments in neurocognition, self-regulation, and adaptive functioning.
  • A specific diagnosis, neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal exposure (ND-PAE), is increasingly recognized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide clinical guidelines for pediatric medical home clinicians.
  • To outline strategies for identifying and diagnosing ND-PAE in children.
  • To offer guidance on managing affected children and obtaining prenatal alcohol exposure history.

Main Methods:

  • Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic criteria for ND-PAE.
  • Emphasis on observable behaviors within pediatric medical home settings.
  • Discussion of differential diagnosis and common comorbidities.

Main Results:

  • Children with prenatal alcohol exposure may present with a distinct pattern of neurodevelopmental deficits.
  • Pediatric medical homes are crucial for early identification and intervention.
  • Management requires a comprehensive approach addressing cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive needs.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification and diagnosis of ND-PAE are essential for affected children.
  • Pediatric medical homes play a vital role in the care continuum for these patients.
  • Effective management strategies can improve outcomes for children with ND-PAE.

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