fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

[ feet-l al-kuh-hawl spek-truhm dis-awr-der, alkuh-hol ]

noun

1. any of several disorders characterized by a variable cluster of birth defects that may include facial abnormalities, growth deficiency, intellectual disability, and other impairments, caused by the mother's consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. : FASD

Word History and Origins

Origin of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder¹

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

"Diagnosing an Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a multidisciplinary approach," Parisi said.

From Salon

Throughout the trial, Cruz’s defense attorneys alleged that Cruz suffered from “neurological disorders” related to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.

From Washington Post

That led him to suffer from fetal alcohol spectrum disorder that was never properly diagnosed, the lawyers said, despite his many developmental delays and behavioral problems.

From New York Times

That, Ms. McNeill argued, had led to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which was misdiagnosed by experts throughout Mr. Cruz’s life.

From New York Times

Lead defense attorney Melisa McNeill and her team have never disputed that Cruz committed a horrible crime, but they say his birth mother’s excessive drinking during pregnancy left him with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and put him on a path that led to the shooting.

From Seattle Times