Genetic Testing for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is a medical term used to describe a spectrum of physical, cognitive and behavioral disorders experienced by the offspring of a woman who drinks during the term of a pregnancy. A diagnosis of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) requires the use of a variety of different examinations, including genetic testing in some cases.

• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

Identification

• The symptoms associated with FASD are evident in other disabilities. The majority of these ailments are genetic in nature. These connections result in the use of genetic testing in diagnosing FASD.

Misconceptions

• FASD is not a genetic condition. Genetic testing is not used to identify FASD directly but rather to rule out other diseases that do have a genetic basis and possess the same symptoms as FASD.

Time Frame

• If a pregnant woman drinks during the course of her pregnancy, genetic testing is available during the term of the pregnancy to begin to rule out certain conditions that share symptoms with FASD.

Benefits

• The primary benefit of genetic testing in identifying fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is that other conditions are ruled out far faster. By taking this course a child can receive proper treatment for FASD in a timely manner.

Warning

• Research remains inconclusive as to how much alcohol a woman needs to consume while pregnant to cause FASD. Nearly all physicians recommend that a pregnant woman avoid alcoholic beverages entirely.