FAS has been a better-known term, although it is a rarer condition and is relatively eas-
ily recognized. Nevertheless, better early detection is needed (Coles, Kable, Drew-Botsch,
& Falek, 2000). Individuals with FAS show a range of central nervous system dysfunction
that may affect their social interactions, adaptive behaviors, and abilities to learn. Moreover,
these difficulties may result in learning difficulties and disabilities and, in severe forms,
mental retardation. Physical characteristics with dysmorphic facial features are required to
diagnose FAS; other physical signs, such as poor growth and smaller brain size, may also
be present in some individuals with FAS. Whereas an important mechanism for the devel-
opmental difficulties related to FAS has involved central nervous system dysfunction,
psychosocial risks have contributed to the problems of individuals with FAS (Astley, Bailey,
Talbot, & Clarren, 2000).