Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: Research Review and Implications.

N

34

Alcohol Abuse; Alcoholism; Clinical Diagnosis; Congenital Impairments; Drinking; Epidemiology; Handicap Identification; History; Intervention; Mental Retardation; Neurological Impairments; Pregnancy; Prenatal Influences; Prevention

Research on fetal alcohol syndrome is reviewed, with particular emphasis on the implications of the syndrome for the development of mental retardation and other handicapping conditions. Attention is given to historical aspects; epidemiology; physiological and behavioral characteristics; and concerns related to diagnosis, prevention, and intervention. The review provides an overview of biological processes and critical periods of gestation, and examines the effects of fetal alcohol syndrome in terms of central nervous system dysfunction, craniofacial malformations, prenatal and postnatal growth retardation, and other less frequent anomalies. The review concludes with a discussion of approaches to prevention and intervention. (42 references) (JDD)

1991

ED326035