This research offers a detailed look at how children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder differ from those diagnosed with other neurodevelopmental conditions. Using a wide range of standardized cognitive and behavioural assessments, the study shows a consistent pattern: children with FASD experience broader and more substantial challenges in areas such as attention, memory, problem-solving, and overall cognitive processing.
Although caregivers reported higher levels of anxiety, social difficulties, and behavioural concerns, most scores remained below clinical ranges, suggesting that socio-emotional challenges are influenced not only by brain-based differences but also by the child’s environment and supports. By comparing FASD with multiple neurodevelopmental conditions, this work strengthens our understanding of the unique profile associated with prenatal alcohol exposure and highlights why early, informed responses matter.
Key takeaways:
• Children with FASD process information more slowly and need extra time, structure, and repetition to learn new tasks.
• Attention and memory challenges are central features of FASD, and difficulties often show up as trouble staying focused, remembering steps, or shifting between tasks.
• Behavioural concerns, such as anxiety, frustration, or emotional outbursts, are often linked to underlying cognitive overload rather than intentional misbehaviour.