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Prenatal alcohol exposure can lead to significant neurodevelopmental disabilities, now recognized as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). This includes both fetal alcohol syndrome, a lifelong birth defect, and a wider range of enduring learning and behavior deficits often called alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND). Diagnostic classification systems have been developed to identify children with FASD, and early interventionists from multiple disciplines can be central in identification and referral for diagnosis, and in providing the known protective influence of intervention early in life. With the recent federal mandates to better address needs of children born prenatally affected by substances, or those impacted by abuse and/or neglect, by referring them for screening and possible early intervention services, there is heightened need for providers to understand FASD. There is a growing body of research data describing the teratogenic effects of alcohol on central nervous system function and physical development, the diversity of children with prenatal alcohol exposure and their families, and the developmental and behavioral characteristics of this clinical population. This article reviews the latest research evidence, bearing in mind what is important to early intervention. This article also gives practical guidance on FASD prevention, methods for early screening, and referral of young children for diagnosis of FASD (and referral for needed services once diagnosed), and how to provide education, support, advocacy assistance, and anticipatory guidance for families raising children with FASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether children with a history of positional plagiocephaly/brachycephaly (PPB) show persistent deficits in motor development., Methods: In a longitudinal cohort study, we completed follow-up assessments with 187 school-aged children with PPB and 149 participants without PPB who were originally enrolled in infancy. Primary outcomes were the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-Second Edition (BOT-2) composite scores., Results: Children with PPB scored lower than controls on the BOT-2. Stratified analyses indicated that differences were restricted to children who had moderate-severe PPB. No consistent differences were observed in children who had mild PPB., Conclusion: Children who had moderate-severe PPB in infancy show persistent differences in motor function. We suggest close developmental monitoring and early intervention to address motor deficits.

Purpose: To examine the effects of Sensorimotor Training to Affect Balance, Engagement, and Learning (STABEL), a virtual reality system to train sensory adaptation for balance control, for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs)., Methods: Twenty-three children with FASDs received STABEL training in a university laboratory, or home, or were controls. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children-2nd edition (MABC-2) and Pediatric Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction for Balance-2 (P-CTSIB-2) were analyzed by group (lab, home, and control), session (pre-STABEL, 1 week post-STABEL, and 1 month post-STABEL), and group-by-session interaction., Results: Significant effects were group and session for MABC-2 Balance and interaction for MABC-2 Total Motor and P-CTSIB-2., Conclusion: Preliminary results support improved sensory adaptation, balance, and motor performance post-STABEL, which warrant further study with a larger, randomized sample.

Purpose: To assess the content, format, and comprehension of the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) pediatric physical function related to mobility items for children who use wheelchairs (WCs)., Methods: During a cognitive interview, 14 children, aged 8 to 12 years, who use WCs, verbalized their thoughts when answering PROMIS items. The questionnaire appraisal system was used to code summarized text from the interviews., Results: The children requested items be more specific and include options for reporting adaptive ways of performing and participating. How they would answer the item depended on the situation and specific environmental supports and constraints they may have experienced., Conclusions: As rehabilitation professionals develop and use self-reported outcome measures, they should explore what is important to children who use WCs regarding their views on physical functioning, the influences of the environment, and variability in the use of devices to assist with functional mobility.