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Published on: August 5, 2017
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.
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.
Abstract:
Children and adolescents affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol who have brain damage that is manifested in functional impairments of neurocognition, self-regulation, and adaptive functioning may most appropriately be diagnosed with neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal exposure. This Special Article outlines clinical implications and guidelines for pediatric medical home clinicians to identify, diagnose, and refer children regarding neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal exposure. Emphasis is given to reported or observable behaviors that can be identified as part of care in pediatric medical homes, differential diagnosis, and potential comorbidities. In addition, brief guidance is provided on the management of affected children in the pediatric medical home. Finally, suggestions are given for obtaining prenatal history of in utero exposure to alcohol for the pediatric patient.
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