Misdiagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in Children Presenting with Developmental and Behavioral Problems

In a small study, more than 80% of general pediatricians did not identify fetal alcohol syndrome.

Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) typically present with developmental disabilities and behavioral problems. Clinicians focus on facial dysmorphic features, growth failure, and history of gestational alcohol exposure.

A survey of general pediatricians in Connecticut presented case descriptions and photos of 4-year-old boys with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), and Williams syndrome (WS) who presented with developmental and behavioral problems. Respondents could view up to seven additional clusters of information (e.g., pregnancy and birth history, past medical history), and after each one were asked to provide a diagnosis and rate their confidence in it.

Of 46 respondents, …

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics