Fetal Alcohol Effects: Behavior and Learning Problems

Reference Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) Opens New Window can cause a wide range of behavioral problems and thinking and reasoning (cognitive) problems that can affect a child's school performance. The child may have:

• Inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. These may also be symptoms of Reference attention deficit hyperactivity disorder Opens New Window (ADHD).
• Extreme mood changes, aggressive behavior, or Reference temper tantrums Opens New Window.
• Poor ability to think in abstract ways.
• Difficulty with math skills.
• Trouble learning. This can be related to Reference intellectual disability Opens New Window. The problems can be mild to severe, depending on how bad the child's alcohol effects are. Reference Fetal alcohol syndrome Opens New Window (FAS) is one of the most common known causes of intellectual disability.
• Hearing problems.
• Speech problems, if the child has jaw defects.

Children with FASD can have problems getting along with others, because they may not be able to:

• Consider the consequences of their actions.
• Control their impulses.
• Correctly interpret the actions of other people.

To be attributed to FASD, these problems cannot be related to the child's developmental level or caused by problems in the child's family or living situation.

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