There are many different factors to consider when choosing a model to conduct research on FASD. The animal model that is chosen should reflect the specific research question that is to be answered. Depending on what is to be examined, each model offers its own advantages and disadvantages. Peak BAC, developmental timing, route of administration, and stress and nutrition controls should also be considered. Simple invertebrates and vertebrates such as C. elegans, Xenopus, and zebrafish can be excellent tools for examining the effects of ethanol at a genetic level or on very specific stages of development. Rodents are more commonly used for translational research where the effects of therapeutics can be examined for future use in a clinical population. Non-human primate models are gold standard when it comes to examining complex behavior, but studies are often limited due to small sample sizes, large costs, and time constraints.
