FASD is Often Mis-Diagnosed

Posted on June 30, 2025

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) affects 1 in 20 children but is often missed due to stigma and gaps in prenatal alcohol screening.

Pediatricians have a critical role in identifying children affected by FASD through careful screening. Using open-ended, nonjudgmental questions about prenatal alcohol exposure during patient visits can help uncover important information that may otherwise be missed. By fostering a supportive environment and reducing stigma around discussing prenatal alcohol use, providers can improve early detection, connect families with needed resources, and ultimately improve outcomes for children with FASD.

Test your knowledge of FASD and PAE with this AAP Quiz: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders/fasds-quiz/

Interested in Learning more about FASD/PAE? Check out these resources:

AAP FASD Toolkit: https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorders/

FASD United: https://fasdunited.org

FASD Maine: https://www.fasdmaine.org/fasd-maine