Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability.

Fetal alcohol syndrome is the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not preventable
• D. Prevents only physical disabilities

Answer: (A)

Fetal alcohol exposure during pregnancy disrupts fetal brain development, producing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, with fetal alcohol syndrome being the more severe end of that spectrum. These neurodevelopmental changes often include intellectual disability, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Crucially, there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, and the damage is preventable by abstaining from alcohol while pregnant. Because the cognitive impairments can be severe and are avoidable with with maternal sobriety, this condition is commonly cited as the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability in many populations. Other causes of intellectual disability exist, but among preventable factors, fetal alcohol effects are the most prominent. Therefore, the statement is true.

Fetal alcohol exposure during pregnancy disrupts fetal brain development, producing fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, with fetal alcohol syndrome being the more severe end of that spectrum. These neurodevelopmental changes often include intellectual disability, learning difficulties, and behavioral problems. Crucially, there is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, and the damage is preventable by abstaining from alcohol while pregnant. Because the cognitive impairments can be severe and are avoidable with with maternal sobriety, this condition is commonly cited as the leading preventable cause of intellectual disability in many populations. Other causes of intellectual disability exist, but among preventable factors, fetal alcohol effects are the most prominent. Therefore, the statement is true.