TABLE 1.

Age-related diagnostic criteria for fetal alcohol syndrome and/or atypical fetal alcohol syndrome

Infants

History of prenatal alcohol exposure

Facial abnormalities

Growth retardation – height, weight, head circumference

Hypotonia, increased irritability

Jitteriness, tremulousness, weak suck

Difficulty ‘habituating’, getting used to stimulation

Preschool

History of alcohol exposure, growth retardation, facial abnormalities

Friendly, talkative and alert

Temper tantrums and difficulty making transitions

Hyperactive; may be oversensitive to touch or over-stimulation

Attention deficits, developmental delays – speech, fine motor difficulties

Apparent skill levels may appear to be higher than their tested levels of ability

Middle childhood

History of alcohol exposure, growth retardation, facial abnormalities

Hyperactivity, attention deficit, impulsiveness

Poor abstract thinking

Inability to foresee consequences of actions

Lack of organization and sequencing

Inability to make choices

Lack of organizational skills

Inappropriate behaviour

Overly affectionate – does not discriminate between family and strangers

Lack of inhibitions

Communication problems

Lack of social skills to make and keep friends

Unresponsive to social clues

Uses behaviour as communication

Difficulty making transitions

Academic problems – reading and mathematics

Behaviour problems – ‘stretched toddler’

Adolescent and adult

History of alcohol exposure, growth retardation, facial abnormalities

Intelligence Quotient – average to mildly retarded with wide range; continued school difficulties

Difficulty with adaptive and living skills

Attention deficits, poor judgment, impulsivity lead to problems with employment, stable living and the law

Serious life adjustment problems – depression, alcoholism, crime, pregnancy and suicide