Major Research Domains Behavioral Science Core Brain Imaging
Core Cellular Morphology Core Animal Behavior Core Instrument
Development Laboratory Core Collaborative Research Area on Fetal
Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Coordinator: Susan Astley, Ph.D.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is a permanent birth defect
syndrome caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during
pregnancy. The condition is characterized by growth deficiency,
a unique cluster of minor facial anomalies, and central nervous
system (CNS) abnormalities. The prevalence of FAS is estimated
to be 1 to 2 per 1,000 live-births in the general population,
and as high as 10 to 15 per 1,000 in high-risk populations like
foster care. Not all individuals exposed and damaged by alcohol
have FAS. Most present with neuropsychological impairments
without the physical findings. The condition is now recognized
as a spectrum of disorders, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
(FASD). Faculty investigators for the Collaborative Research
Area on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disor