A fetal alcohol syndrome diagnosis typically involves a complete physical exam, evaluation of the face, and an IQ test. A team of professionals, ranging from education consultants to occupational therapists, collaborates to form the diagnosis. Diagnosing fetal alcohol syndrome early in a child's life and implementing appropriate intervention measures may contribute to positive long-term outcomes, both in school and as an adult.
Diagnosing Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: An Overview
An expert trained to assess birth defects and
fetal alcohol spectrum disorders can make a
fetal alcohol syndrome diagnosis. Experts in diagnosing the condition may include a geneticist, developmental pediatrician, or neurologist. Ideally, a team of professionals diagnoses the specific disorder. The team may include:
- A dysmorphologist
- Education consultants
- Psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers
- Occupational therapists
- Speech and language specialists.
Tests Used in a Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Diagnosis
Tests used in diagnosing fetal alcohol syndrome usually include:
-
A complete physical (height, weight, vision, hearing, cardiogram, etc.)
-
Evaluation of the face
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An IQ test (for example, WISC or WAIS).
- Cognitive deficits, such as memory problems or developmental delay
- Executive functioning deficits, such as problems following multistep directions
- Motor delays or deficits, such as clumsiness or tremors
- Attention deficits and hyperactivity
- Poor social skills, such as interrupting others and misreading cues
- Behavioral problems, such as aggression or not finishing tasks.
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