FASD The Course > Module 6: Diagnosis and Treatment of FASD > 5. Diagnostic Procedures
Module 6: Diagnosis and Treatment of FASD
Diagnostic Procedures
FASD is not a medical diagnosis but is a descriptive term for various disorders. FAS is a medical
diagnosis included in the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Edition, Clinical Modification
(ICD-9-CM). The code is 760.71, "noxious influences affecting fetus via placenta or breast milk,
specifically alcohol; includes
fetal alcohol syndrome."
Many variables are considered in the diagnosis of FASD. Only specialists trained in
dysmorphology and neurodevelopmental assessment and who understand the effects of
prenatal alcohol exposure are qualified to diagnose FAS. They will also be able to recognize alternative
syndromes and neurodevelopmental conditions.
Because FAS is a medical diagnosis, a trained physician must diagnose it. The medical examination includes
evaluation of the prenatal and birth history and previous medical history, general physical examination,
evaluation of early and current growth patterns, and measurement of facial features. Ideally, input and
testing by specialists will be obtained to enhance the diagnosis1.
These include:
- Speech pathologists, who can assess abilities to understand and communicate
- Occupational therapists and physical therapists, who can
assess motor functions and adaptive abilities
- Psychologists, who can conduct developmental tests to determine abilities and deficits
- Neuropsychologists, who can describe cognitive
impairments and explain their causes and evaluate behavioral
impairments resulting from brain injury
- Psychiatrists, who can assess signs and symptoms of mental
health disorders and suggest medication as appropriate
- Nurses and social workers, who can assess family dynamics and other related issues
- Parents who are familiar with this disorder and work with other parents either in training
or parent support groups and can help with family support and advocacy
It is also useful to get input from teachers, parents, and caregivers for an accurate diagnosis
and understanding of the person's specific pattern of effects and needs. Often, people who interact with
the individual on a regular basis can detect problems that specialists might miss. For example, some
children with an FASD are affectionate and can be happy, social, and gregarious. These are seen as
positive qualities. Behavior not appropriate to their developmental stage is more often detected in
school where teachers can compare the behaviors with other children. Others may do well in school but
have much more difficulty at home or in social and peer situations.
Differences Between FASD and FAS
|
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
|
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
|
|
Umbrella term, not a diagnosis
|
Clinical diagnosis (ICD-9-CM code 760.71)
|
|
No formal diagnostic criteria
|
Diagnostic criteria (see CDC guidelines)
|
|
No specific facial anomalies
|
Specific facial anomalies (smooth philtrum, thin upper lip, small eye openings)
|
|
Cannot be confirmed without maternal alcohol history
|
Can be confirmed without maternal alcohol history
|