Fetal alcohol syndrome is associated with which outcome?

• A. Normal intelligence
• B. Intellectual disability and developmental delay
• C. Hyperactivity without impairment
• D. Increased risk of asthma

Answer: (B)

Prenatal alcohol exposure disrupts fetal brain development, leading to lifelong neurodevelopmental problems. Fetal alcohol syndrome represents the most severe end of this spectrum and typically involves growth deficiency, distinctive facial features, and central nervous system abnormalities. Those CNS effects translate into intellectual disability and developmental delays, with learning difficulties and behavioral challenges. The idea of normal intelligence or impairment-free hyperactivity doesn’t fit because FAS involves cognitive and developmental impairment. Increased asthma risk isn’t a recognized outcome of prenatal alcohol exposure. So the outcome most closely tied to FAS is intellectual disability and developmental delay.