Abstract
Prenatal exposure to ethanol may result in a profound morphologic disorder, FAS. We now report that maternal alcoholism may be central to the pathogenesis of those subtle yet more frequently encountered abnormalities of attention, behavior, activity and learning that comprise the minimal brain dysfunction symptom complex. The 9 boys and 2 girls, ages 9-18 years referred to the YNHH Learning Disorders Unit were born to heavy drinking mothers. They exhibited many of the features of FAS: prenatal growth defiency (70% SFGA, median b.w. 2270g), postnatal growth deficits in 73%, and microcephaly in 63%. Facial stigmata were noted in 73% and mild limb abnormalities in 50%. Each had average intelligence (WISC) with median Full Scale I.Q. 96, (range 86-113), Verbal I.Q. 101, (82-123) and Performance I.Q. 94, (81-120). Poorest performance on psychometric testing (Coding, Arithmetic, Digit Span, Information) reflected deficits in attention, concentration, memory and learning common to all. Each manifest hyperactivity during early school years and impulsivity and fidgetiness which remained with them as adolescents. All exhibited school difficulties requiring retention of at least one year and special education services. We suggest that the pattern of hyperactivity, attentional deficits and school learning difficulties despite average intelligence associated with subtle morphologic anomalies may represent a symptom complex that more accurately reflects the full and perhaps often overlooked teratogenic spectrum of ethanol.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Shaywitz, S., Cohen, D. & Shaywitz, B. 71 THE EXPANDED FETAL ALCOHOL SYNDROME (EFAS)- BEHAVIORAL AND LEARING DEFICITS IN CHILDREN WITH NORMAL INTELLIGENCE. Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 375 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00076
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-00076