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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder among pre-adopted and foster children

Ariel Tenenbaum1, Asaf Mandel2, Talia Dor2

  • 1Medical Unit for Adoption and Foster Care, Department of Pediatrics, Hadassah University Medical Center, Mount Scopus Campus, 92140, Jerusalem, IL, Israel. tene@hadassah.org.il.

BMC Pediatrics
|June 5, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) affects many children in foster care or adopted. This study found a higher prevalence of FASD in these high-risk children, particularly older ones.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pediatric Health
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a significant cause of neurodevelopmental disorders in children.
  • Children in foster care or adopted are at increased risk for FASD.
  • Understanding FASD prevalence in these populations is crucial for early intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and risk of FASD in a specific group of foster and adopted children.
  • To evaluate clinical manifestations and historical risk factors for FASD in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated children aged 2-12 years who were candidates for adoption in foster care.
  • Assessed for clinical signs and historical indicators of FASD using established diagnostic criteria.

Main Results:

  • Of 89 children, 18 had confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure.
  • Diagnoses included fetal alcohol syndrome (2), partial fetal alcohol syndrome (1), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (5), and alcohol-related birth defects (1).
  • Many children without confirmed exposure showed FASD-like manifestations, suggesting underdiagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • A significant number of high-risk children in adoption clinics exhibit FASD-associated manifestations, especially with confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure.
  • The observed prevalence is higher than in younger children, likely due to the manifestation of alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorders at older ages.
  • Early identification and intervention are critical for children with or at risk for FASD in foster care and adoption settings.
Abstract

Keywords:
AdoptionAlcoholCongenital anomaliesFetal alcohol syndrome

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