ARND stands for Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, which statement describes it?

• A. ARND involves neurodevelopmental effects without the facial features typical of FAS.
• B. ARND always includes facial anomalies.
• C. ARND is not related to prenatal alcohol exposure.
• D. ARND occurs only in infancy.

Answer: (A)

ARND is a type of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder that describes neurodevelopmental problems caused by prenatal alcohol exposure even when the facial features typical of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome are not present. This is why the description that ARND involves neurodevelopmental effects without the facial features typical of FAS is the best fit: the defining idea is that cognitive, behavioral, or learning difficulties can occur without the distinct facial dysmorphology. The absence of facial features does not mean there’s no impact from alcohol exposure before birth; ARND focuses on the brain-based effects rather than outward facial signs.

In contrast, facial anomalies are characteristic of FAS, so ARND does not require those features. It’s also linked to prenatal alcohol exposure, so saying it’s not related to exposure would be incorrect. And the effects are not limited to infancy; neurodevelopmental challenges can become evident and are assessed across early childhood and beyond as children’s development progresses.