Guidelines for Identifying and Referring Persons with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome - October 28, 2005 / 54(RR11);11-14
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) results from maternal alcohol use during pregnancy and carries lifelong consequences. In 2002, CDC convened a scientific working group (SWG) of persons with expertise in FAS research, diagnosis, and treatment to draft criteria for diagnosing FAS. This report summarizes the diagnostic guidelines drafted by the SWG, provides recommendations for when and how to refer a person suspected of having problems related to prenatal alcohol exposure, and assesses existing practices for creating supportive environments that might prevent long-term adverse consequences associated with FAS. The guidelines are intended to facilitate early identification of persons affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol so they and their families can receive services that enable them to achieve healthy lives and reach their full potential. This report also includes recommendations to enhance identification of and intervention for women at risk for alcohol-exposed pregnancies. full text
Appendix: Central Nervous System Abnormalities Associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
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