Beyond the Brain: The Physical Health and Whole-Body Impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Recent clinical evidence integrated with the lived experiences of adolescents and adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) highlights the range of physical health challenges people can experience.
  • Recent research suggests that comorbid physical health conditions may be associated with PAE across the life span for individuals with FASD. These conditions include metabolic disorders; body composition; cardiac, renal, reproductive, and immune health; as well as hearing/vision and sleep.
  • Recent research highlights the importance of recognizing, monitoring, and supporting the health of individuals with FASD, beyond the standard clinical features relating to the brain and behavior.
  • The review identifies emerging areas of concern relating to the physical health of individuals with FASD that require further research and highlights key considerations for future study design.