Effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on neuropsychological functioning

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can have devastating effects on cognitive and adaptive function. Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is one of the leading causes of mental retardation in the Western world. Studies focusing on the cognitive and adaptive function of individuals with FAS and fetal alcohol effects are reviewed, followed by a summary of findings from prospective longitudinal studies of PAE. These are considered in light of brain‐behavior relations and results of animal studies of PAE. There is converging evidence that PAE adversely impacts response inhibition, visuomotor abilities, and visual memory.