In summary, this study adds to the growing literature suggesting that the neuropsychological effects of AE are clinically meaningful and can be used to accurately distinguish alcohol-affected children from typically developing children. In addition, the results indicate that approximately 70% of children with heavy prenatal alcohol exposure are affected neurobehaviorally, even in the absence of FAS. The results also support previous studies showing differences between subjects with AE and those with ADHD. The ability to accurately distinguish these two groups has clear clinical significance; alcohol-affected children are highly likely to also have ADHD and thus may be clinically confused with non-exposed children with ADHD. The results of the current study indicate that while there are similarities, these two clinical conditions are not synonymous. Limited studies (Doig et al., 2008, Coe et al., 2001, Oesterheld et al., 1998, Frankel et al., 2006, O’Malley et al., 2000, Snyder et al., 1997, Collins et al., 2009) suggest differences in treatment effectiveness between FASD and ADHD, thus further indicating the need for accurate identification of alcohol-affected children.
