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

Matthew T. Hyland, Natasia S. Courchesne-Krak, Gemma A. Bernes, Jeffrey R. Wozniak, Kenneth L. Jones, Miguel Del Campo, Edward P. Riley, Sarah N. Mattson

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Purpose: This 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. Methods: Data 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. Results: Results 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. Conclusion: Results 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1560-1569
Number of pages10
JournalAlcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research
Volume47
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2023

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 The Authors. Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Research Society on Alcohol.

Keywords

  • behavior
  • diagnosis
  • fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
  • neuropsychological assessment
  • prenatal alcohol exposure
  • screening tool

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