Identifying family environment profiles in families of children with prenatal alcohol exposure.

Background: Individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) may face unique family environments that potentially influence adaptive functioning and behavioral challenges. This study aimed to identify profiles of families of children with PAE based on family characteristics, including cohesion, conflict, and organization, and to examine the relationship between family environment profiles and child outcomes.

Methods: Data were collected from caregivers of 283 youth (5-17 years) with histories of PAE.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can cause a wide range of physical, neurobehavioral, and neurocognitive impairments that impact developmental trajectories throughout the lifespan. Clinically, individuals who have been exposed to alcohol prenatally and who show physical or neurobehavioral difficulties may be classified as having a condition included in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). The aim of this chapter is to summarize the current knowledge of FASD including diagnostic criteria, neurobehavioral outcomes, lifespan considerations, and interventions.