Which statement about Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is true?

• A. FAS includes characteristic facial features.
• B. FAS includes no facial features.
• C. FAS is not related to prenatal alcohol exposure.
• D. FAS is the only subtype of FASD.

Answer: (A)

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one manifestation within the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders caused by alcohol exposure before birth. A key aspect that often appears is distinctive facial features, such as a smooth philtrum, a thin upper lip, and small eye openings, along with growth problems and central nervous system issues. Because FAS typically includes these facial characteristics, the statement that FAS includes characteristic facial features is true. It’s also helpful to remember that FAS is one subtype within FASD; other individuals exposed to alcohol prenatally may have related conditions without all the facial features, such as partial FAS or alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder. The other options contradict the established link to prenatal alcohol exposure, deny facial features, or claim FAS is the only subtype within FASD.