Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a spectrum of physical and neurodevelopmental disorders caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. In order for a diagnosis of FAS to be made, four criteria must be met.
The first criterion is a pattern of physical birth defects. This includes abnormal facial features such as a smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip, small eyes, and a thin upper lip. There may also be growth deficits such as low birth weight, small head circumference, and short stature.
The second criterion is central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. This includes delays in physical and cognitive development, learning disabilities, attention deficits, poor coordination, and poor impulse control.
The third criterion is prenatal alcohol exposure. This must be documented, either through the mother’s history or through laboratory testing.
The fourth criterion is exclusion of other causes of CNS dysfunction such as genetic disorders, perinatal complications, or exposure to other substances.
In summary, a diagnosis of FAS requires a pattern of physical birth defects, CNS dysfunction, prenatal alcohol exposure, and the exclusion of other causes.