Results of a screening tool for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures

Abstract

AbstractPurposeThis study assessed whether the outcome of a screening tool for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD), the FASD‐Tree, was associated with neuropsychological and behavioral outcomes.MethodsData for this study were collected as part of the fourth phase of the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD‐4). Participants (N = 175, 5 to 16 years) with or without histories of prenatal alcohol exposure were recruited from San Diego and Minneapolis. Each participant was screened using the FASD‐Tree and administered a neuropsychological test battery; parents or guardians completed behavioral questionnaires. The FASD‐Tree incorporates physical and behavioral measures and provides an outcome regarding the presence of FASD (FASD‐Positive or FASD‐Negative). Logistic regression was used to test whether the FASD‐Tree outcome was associated with general cognitive ability, executive function, academic achievement, and behavior. Associations were tested in two groups: the whole sample and only correctly classified participants.ResultsResults of the FASD‐Tree were associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures. Participants classified as FASD‐Positive were more likely than those classified as FASD‐Negative to have a lower IQ score and exhibit poorer performance on measures of executive and academic functions. Behaviorally, participants classified as FASD‐Positive were rated as having more behavior problems and adaptive difficulties. Similar relationships were found for all measures when including only participants correctly classified by the FASD‐Tree screening tool.ConclusionResults from the FASD‐Tree screening tool were associated with neuropsychological and behavioral measures. Participants classified as FASD‐Positive were more likely to have impairment in all domains tested. The results support the effectiveness of the FASD‐Tree as a screening tool for use in clinical settings, providing an efficient and accurate way to identify patients in need of additional evaluation.