Prevalence and patterns of sensory processing behaviors in a large clinical sample of children with prenatal alcohol exposure

The assessment of preschoolers with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is challenging for many diagnostic teams and clinicians. The 2016 Canadian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) diagnostic guidelines describe the assessments recommended for individuals with PAE in various age groups. Interpretation of brain domains constituting global impairment in preschoolers is not well described in the literature, and there has been clinical reluctance to consider the interpretation of clinical assessments as definitively diagnostic in this age group. This study describes the results of 10-year retrospective clinical data of over 300 preschoolers with PAE referred to the Manitoba FASD Centre for assessment of FASD. Preschoolers who met the criteria for a diagnosis of FASD showed significantly greater global developmental impairment, compared with those with PAE alone. They also demonstrated poorer receptive and expressive language abilities when compared with preschoolers who were not diagnosed. Preschoolers with FASD were rated as having more difficulties with executive functioning skills and adaptive functioning skills, compared to their counterparts. Significant deficits were found in fine-motor, visual-motor, and components of gross-motor skills. Importantly, significant sensory processing differences are particularly evident in preschoolers and are important in understanding behavior and in intervention planning. Together, standardized assessment of motor and sensory processing skills, with a comprehensive assessment of language, are significant predictors of FASD diagnosis for preschoolers with PAE.

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Complex Trauma and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: Clinical Implications

Perspectives on School-Based Issues ◽

10.1044/sbi13.2.32 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 13 (2) ◽

pp. 32-42 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Yvette D. Hyter

Keyword(s):

Central Nervous System ◽

Nervous System ◽

Child Development ◽

Academic Outcomes ◽

Complex Trauma ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Clinical Implications ◽

Prenatal Alcohol ◽

The Brain

Abstract Complex trauma resulting from chronic maltreatment and prenatal alcohol exposure can significantly affect child development and academic outcomes. Children with histories of maltreatment and those with prenatal alcohol exposure exhibit remarkably similar central nervous system impairments. In this article, I will review the effects of each on the brain and discuss clinical implications for these populations of children.

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Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Tied to Conduct Problems

Ob Gyn News ◽

10.1016/s0029-7437(07)71051-0 ◽

2008 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 10

Author(s):

MARY ANN MOON

Keyword(s):

Conduct Problems ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Prenatal Alcohol

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Prenatal alcohol exposure and signs of minor neurological dysfunction at preschool age

Developmental Medicine & Child Neurology ◽

10.1017/s0012162200000979 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 42 (8) ◽

pp. 508-514 ◽

Cited By ~ 15

Author(s):

Béatrice Larroque ◽

Monique Kaminski ◽

Phillipe Dehaene ◽

Damien Subtil ◽

Denis Querleu

Keyword(s):

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Preschool Age ◽

Neurological Dysfunction ◽

Minor Neurological Dysfunction ◽

Prenatal Alcohol

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Impact of Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Problem Behaviors in Preschool and School Children

Zeitschrift für Entwicklungspsychologie und Pädagogische Psychologie ◽

10.1026/0049-8637/a000106 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 46 (2) ◽

pp. 89-100 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Manuela Pfinder ◽

Stefan Liebig ◽

Reinhold Feldmann

Keyword(s):

Problem Behaviors ◽

Tobacco Smoke ◽

Prenatal Alcohol Exposure ◽

Alcohol Exposure ◽

Smoke Exposure ◽

Low Ses ◽

German Health ◽

Kiggs Study ◽

Strengths And Difficulties ◽

Prenatal Alcohol

Data on the relation between moderate prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and behavioral disorders are inconsistent, and this raises new questions. We examined (1) the association between moderate PAE and problem behaviors and (2) whether these associations differed by levels of socioeconomic status (SES), fetal smoke exposure, or exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Data were taken from the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS) study. Parents evaluated children’s behaviors using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results showed a slight, but insignificant, increase of problem behaviors in children with moderate PAE. In 3- to 6-year-olds, PAE had a stronger effect on hyperactivity/inattention in combination with fetal smoke exposure (odds ratio = 2.82), than did PAE alone. Effects were not stronger in low-SES children, but they were stronger in children with ETS. We conclude that moderate PAE might have adverse effects on neurodevelopment, with stronger effects in disadvantaged populations. To confirm our preliminary findings, further research should be conducted.

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