Diagnostic Criteria for FASD
All of the below must be present for a confident diagnosis:
- growth deficiency
- characteristic facial features
- central nervous system problems
– microcephaly (small head)
– hyperactivity
– learning disabilities
– developmental disabilities
– seizures
– mental retardation
The characteristic facial features are most obvious between 8 months of age and 8 years. Diagnosis becomes more difficult in older individuals because puberty changes facial and body features.
Frequently a diagnosis of FASD is made without clear signs of the above because the medical history of the mother indicates drinking while she was pregnant.