Executive functioning predicts social skills following prenatal alcohol exposure

Child Neuropsychol. 2006 Dec;12(6):439-52. doi: 10.1080/09297040600611338.

Abstract

Adverse sequelae of prenatal alcohol exposure include executive function and social skills impairments, although these two domains have not been empirically linked in alcohol-exposed individuals. This study investigated this relationship using the BRIEF and the SSRS in 98 children aged 6 to 11 years. Executive functions explained a significant percentage of variance in parent and teacher rated social skills. No differences were found among children with diagnoses of FAS, partial FAS, or alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder. It may be helpful to consider executive functioning in designing social skills interventions for alcohol-exposed children whether or not they have full FAS.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Central Nervous System Depressants / adverse effects
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology
  • Cognition / drug effects*
  • Ethanol / adverse effects*
  • Faculty
  • Female
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / diagnosis
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Parents
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / chemically induced
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / diagnosis
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / psychology*
  • Sex Factors
  • Social Behavior*

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Depressants
  • Ethanol