Does fetal alcohol syndrome cause adhd?

Not necesarily: The effect of fetal alcohol exposure during pregnancy is thought to be a significant cause of adhd but not the only cause.There are genetic contributions in some cases and it is hard to isolate the alcohol effect from other potential factors.

Association exists: Children with FAS often experience multiple cognitive and behavioral issues. This can include complex learning disabilities with language disorders, deficits in memory. Mood, anxiety and disruptive behavior can also be evident. Adhd are most common for FAS children. One study noted 41% of FAS children to have adhd with some having learning and oppositional defiant disorders.

Yes: But they are slightly different. The age of onset is younger with more add and difficult recalling info that has been learned than the similar group labeled alcohol related neurodevolepmental disorder. www.jneurodevdisorders.com/content/4/1/12‎.

Yes: Fetal alcohol syndrome affected children can display adhd, in addition to a host of other behavioral problems.

Dr. F. makes a good: point. People whose ADHD was not treated before puberty have 2x the risk of substance abuse & alcoholism as those who were treated or have no ADHD. Genetic, biological & environmental factors contribute to the complex neurobehavioral profile of kids with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders which includes a subset of ADHD that can be difficult to treat with medications, especially in the young.