Behavioral and Academic Characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Among Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

• In Event: Poster Session 18
  In Poster Session: Current Issues and Topics in Special Education

Abstract

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is characterized by various levels of dysmorphia, behavioral, and cognitive dysfunctions due to prenatal alcohol exposure. A lack of awareness about FASD among experts often results in a delay of necessary services to children with FASD. Early screening of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the major comorbid disorder of FASD, may enable the identification of children with FASD earlier than screening all children in schools. The authors examined the differences between 149 children with ADHD only and 189 children with FASD and ADHD in terms of behavioral and academic characteristics. Results showed the FASD+ADHD group exhibited more externalizing behaviors than the ADHD only group and indicated no difference in reading and mathematics between the two groups.

Authors

• Fumio Someki, City University of New York

• Asha K. Jitendra, University of Minnesota